Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD: The head coach of the Pakistan national football team, Coach Nolberto Solano said that he was satisfied with the outcome of the game against Afghanistan in the contest of the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifier, which ended in a 0-0 draw here at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex.
While talking to journalists at the post-match press conference alongside midfielder Etzaz Hussain, Solano said, “First of all, I’m pleased with the team, with all the boys. With all the small issues we had, especially with some players arriving a little late, it’s not easy. But I was very pleased with their attitude today, especially when the players came on in the second half,” Solano said.
“I believe we dominated the match for most parts of the game and were an excellent team. Like the players, I’m disappointed that we couldn’t take all three points, not just because of the missed penalty, but also because we had other chances. Honestly, these guys are doing their best, and I’m proud of them. It’s not easy for these guys to travel 15, 19, or even 20 hours to arrive in Pakistan a day before the match. They didn’t have much time to train together, but I had confidence in them, he maintained.
Responding to a question, Solano said, “We’ll prepare in the same way. We need to check how the boys are physically and mentally after travelling from different parts of the world. I was very impressed with most of them, especially as it was my first time seeing some of them play. We’ll build on this performance for the next match on Tuesday.”
In another question, he said: “I always say the national team is never closed to anyone. All good players are welcome. As you saw today, players who haven’t played much recently came in and made a real impact. That’s what we want, competition, commitment and pride in representing Pakistan.”
Midfielder Etzaz Hussain, responding to a question, said: “I have waited a long time to represent Pakistan and finally that dream has come true. Everything felt perfect today. Yes, we couldn’t secure the win, but the experience was perfect. In the second half, we showed that we can compete with Afghanistan and we will aim to do the same in the away fixture as well, he concluded.
