Stephen Constantine's Pakistan create history by winning their first ever World Cup Qualifier

Hamid Harun scored the winner for Pakistan

Pakistan National football team has achieved a historic milestone by clinching their first-ever victory in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Guided by the experienced hand of former Indian national team manager, Stephen Constantine, Pakistan's national football team secured a 1-0 aggregate win over Cambodia in the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

The journey to this groundbreaking victory was marked by resilience of the squad and tactical prowess of Stephen Constantine. The first leg of the encounter against Cambodia saw a goalless draw, demonstrating Pakistan's unwavering commitment to a solid defense. They faced a technically sound Cambodian team but managed to maintain a resolute backline throughout the match.

The historic result arrived in the second leg, hosted at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad. Cambodia started the match with a dominant possession game, but Pakistan's defense remained unmoved. As the second half unfolded, Pakistan started to find their rhythm and assert dominance.

The magic moment, etched in Pakistan's football history, occurred in the 68th minute. Hamid Harun, who had previously represented the QPR youth side, seized the opportunity with a spectacular volley. The goal was a result of an uneven bounce, catching the Cambodian defender off guard and landing Pakistan's first goal of the qualifiers.

This victory holds immense significance for Pakistan's football. It marks the end of a daunting 13-game losing streak. Moreover, the win also meant the first home win in eight years, a momentous occasion celebrated by players and fans who came in numbers.

Stephen Constantine not satisfied with infrastructure.

However, things were not easy for the Pakistan football team. Stephen Constantine was named head coach in less than two weeks before the World Cup Qualifiers. Upon his arrival, the coach has openly voiced his discontent regarding the training facilities, ground conditions, player accommodations, and the quality of food provided to the squad. He was quoted as saying, “I’ve never seen facilities like this, not even back in the ’90s.”