Afghanistan to Play Pakistan in Asian Cup Qualifiers Today

DID Press: Afghanistan’s national football team is set to play against Pakistan this afternoon in the third round of 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. The match will take place at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad at 13:30 Afghanistan time on Thursday, October 9.

Afghanistan is in Group E alongside Myanmar, Russia, and Pakistan. In the current group standings, Syria and Myanmar occupy first and second place, while Afghanistan and Pakistan are in third and fourth, respectively.

Afghanistan Football Federation announced that three domestic players have traveled overland to Islamabad after receiving Pakistani visas, while foreign-based players and coaching staff will obtain their visas upon arrival in Pakistan.

Earlier reports had indicated a risk that team members might not be able to attend the match due to delays in visa issuance by the Pakistani embassy.

Italian head coach Vincenzo Alberto called up the squad despite Afghanistan having lost its previous two group-stage matches against Syria and Myanmar.