ISLAMABAD: With anticipation mounting and national pride at stake, the Pakistan national football team is all set to lock horns with Myanmar in a crucial Asia Cup Qualifying Round match on Tuesday (today).
As preparations reached their final stages, Head Coach Stephen Constantine expressed both determination and cautious optimism ahead of what promises to be a challenging fixture. Speaking to the media during a pre-match briefing in Myanmar, Constantine did not shy away from acknowledging the uphill battle that lies ahead. “It’s going to be a tough and demanding game,” he admitted. “But I believe in the work we’ve put in. The boys have shown tremendous commitment and discipline throughout the training sessions. They’ve pushed their limits, and now it’s time to translate that hard work into results.”
The seasoned coach, who brings a wealth of international experience to the team, emphasized the players’ growing sense of cohesion and purpose. “They’ve been training with focus and passion. We are not here just to participate are here to compete, to fight for every opportunity, and to make our mark.”
With spirits high in the Pakistani camp and expectations building back home, the upcoming clash offers more than just qualification hopes- it’s a moment to inspire a football-loving nation and to signal a resurgence in Pakistan’s presence on the Asian football stage.
“I think for us it will be a very difficult game. For Pakistan, all of the games are difficult. I think everyone knows our situation, but we have a good group of players. They have worked hard over the last few days and we will come here to try to win the game,” Constantine, said.
The coach highlighted the team’s focus and adaptability in preparation for the match. “We come here to play football. I think the boys have adapted well to the training. We just have to get on with it. Every single game you play for Pakistan is important – even friendlies.”
Reflecting on the previous fixture against Syria, Constantine shared: “We prepared, we played with Syria in the last game. We lost 2-0, but I think we played quite well.” Responding to a question he said: “Myanmar won their last game, so of course they’re playing at home, they will be favourites for this game. But we will fight like we do in every game and we will try to get the result that we want, which is to win. We didn’t come here to lose.”
Pakistan will face Myanmar Tuesday (today) in Yangon in their second Group E fixture of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. The match will take place at the Thuwunna Stadium, Yangon, with kickoff scheduled for 03:30 pm (Pakistan Standard Time).
