Summary Pakistan announce a 23-member squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, with head coach Nolberto Solano set to join the team in Indonesia after a visa delay.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced a 23-member national squad for the FIFA ASEAN Cup, while head coach Nolberto Solano will miss the ongoing training camp in Islamabad because of a delay in obtaining his visa.
According to the PFF, Solano is expected to join the national team directly in Indonesia before the tournament begins. In his absence, assistant coaches Titus Bramble and Waleed Javed are overseeing the training camp.
Media reports said Solano initially submitted his visa application under an incorrect category. After the issue was identified, the PFF submitted a fresh application, but the visa process was delayed.
Abdullah Iqbal will captain the national side, while experienced forward Kaleemullah has returned to the squad. Pakistan Under-17 captain Abdul Samad has also been included after recently signing a two-year contract with Azerbaijani club Qarabag FK.
PFF President Syed Mohsin Gilani visited the national team’s training camp at Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad and met the players. He said Pakistan would face teams ranked significantly higher in the world rankings and described the tournament as an important opportunity for the national side.
The FIFA ASEAN Cup will be held from Sept. 25 to Oct. 5. Pakistan have been placed in Group B alongside Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.
Pakistan will begin their campaign against Thailand on Sept. 26, followed by a match against the Philippines on Sept. 29 and their final group game against Vietnam on Oct. 2.
Pakistan's 23-member squad
Yousuf Butt, Hassan Ali, Saqib Hanif, Abdullah Shah, Abdul Rehman, Ali Khan, Ali Agha, Hayan Khattak, Ali Wazir, Alamgir Ghazi, Ali Raza, Abdul Samad Arshad, Kaleemullah, Shaikh Dost, Abdullah Iqbal, Isa Suleman, Mohibullah, Mamoon Khan, Muhammad Fazal, Haris Zaib, Umar Nawaz, Abdul Samad and Ali Khan.
