(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan U17 Football Team Faces Major Setbacks Ahead of AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers
November 10, 2025
The Pakistan U17 football team is facing serious challenges just days before the start of the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers, as key members of the coaching and management staff remain unavailable—creating uncertainty and affecting final preparations.
Coaching Staff Unavailable During Crucial Phase
According to reports from the national camp, several essential members of the coaching team have been absent at a time when consistent planning and coordination are critical.
Sources reveal that Head Coach Akhtar Mohiyuddin has been unwell for the past week, leaving the squad without its main tactical leader. Meanwhile, Assistant Coach Mohsin is currently on academic leave for his PhD studies — a justified absence but one that has added pressure on the remaining staff.
Adding to the concerns, Goalkeeping Coach Jaffer and Team Manager Hamdani are occupied in Karachi, where they are engaged in the Inter-Services Football Championship with the Army Team. Their unavailability has left the U17 setup with limited technical supervision during its final training phase.
Preparation Disruptions Raise Alarms
The situation has led to interruptions in training sessions and inconsistencies in team strategy. Officials within the camp describe the environment as “disorganized” and “unsettled,” with players lacking the consistent direction needed before an international competition.
Observers fear that these internal issues could impact Pakistan’s performance in the qualifiers, especially given the strength of their group opponents.
Tough Group Awaits Pakistan
Pakistan has been drawn into Group B of the qualifiers, facing tough competition from Kyrgyzstan (hosts), Yemen, Laos, Cambodia, and Guam.
With only the group winners and best second-placed teams advancing to the next stage, every match will carry enormous importance. Experts believe that without stability in coaching and management, Pakistan’s young squad may struggle to execute its full potential.
Call for Immediate Action
As the qualifiers approach, football analysts and fans are calling on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) to address the issue urgently. Restoring leadership, structure, and consistency is seen as vital for ensuring the young team performs to its ability on the continental stage.
Despite the setbacks, optimism remains around the talent in the U17 squad. The players have shown promise in earlier camps, and with quick administrative action, Pakistan could still make a strong impression in the qualifiers.
Conclusion
With limited time remaining before kickoff, the Pakistan U17 team needs immediate coordination and leadership stability to avoid a disappointing campaign. For a side full of passion and potential, resolving internal challenges quickly could make all the difference in their quest for glory at the 2026 AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
