(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Pakistan Names 27-Man Squad for AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers
Pakistan’s preparations for the AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers moved forward as the national team’s training camp in Islamabad produced a 27-player shortlist from an initial pool of 50.
The squad will be further trimmed to 23 players ahead of the team’s departure for the qualifiers. The list includes a mix of local talent and overseas-based players. Goalkeepers Adam Khan, Hassan, and Umair have retained their spots, while key outfield players such as Ahmed Salman, Hamza Munir, Haroon Hamid, and Ali Raza continue in contention. Diaspora talent like Mckeal Abdullah adds valuable international experience to the squad.
The qualifiers will be the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Nolberto Solano, who has also been given charge of the junior team. The former Peruvian international and Newcastle United star aims to instill discipline and tactical awareness in a young side that has historically struggled at the U23 level.
Pakistan has been drawn in Group G alongside Cambodia, Iraq, and Oman—three strong footballing nations with established youth programs. While Pakistan has yet to qualify for the U23 Asian Cup, the campaign presents an important opportunity for experience and development under Solano’s guidance.
For the new head coach, the focus extends beyond immediate results. The qualifiers will serve as a stepping stone toward building a more competitive and structured youth program, aligning with Pakistan’s broader football ambitions.
Pakistan’s 27-Man Shortlisted Squad (Before Final Cut):
Adam Khan, Hassan (GK), Umair (GK), Ahmed Salman, Hamza Munir, Ans Amin, Mohibullah, Haseeb Khan, Adil, Haroon, Abdul Rehman, Junaid Shah, M. Junaid, Ali Zafar, Tufail Shinwari, Hayyan Khattak, Furqan Umar, Adeel Younas, Suleman, Moin Ahmed, Ali Raza, Umair Bahadur, Mckeal Abdullah, Haroon Hamid, Adnan Justin, Jeevan Khan, Wasiq Ur Rehman
