PFF Normalisation Committee chairman Mr. Haroon Malik expressed his excitement on Wednesday about the arrival of Roberto Mancini’s Saudi Arabia team in Islamabad for the FIFA World Cup qualifier match Round 2.
“Today is a significant day for Pakistan football. It is an honor to host a team like Saudi Arabia, and for the first time, they will be in Pakistan for a FIFA World Cup qualifier game,” said the PFF Chairman. Malik highlighted that for the first time in history, a team that has previously qualified for the World Cup will visit Pakistan, marking a great achievement for the country.
“This will be the first time that Jinnah Stadium will host a match at night under floodlights. I want to thank all the football fans of Pakistan who keep the game alive in this country through their passion. They are the reason we strive to deliver such experiences for you,” he added.
Malik encouraged football fans to come to the stadium and support the national team. However, he emphasized that those unable to attend in person should tune in to watch the match on television, as it will be broadcast live.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have faced each other only twice in history before this match. Their first meeting was in May 1978, where Pakistan lost 6-0, and their latest encounter was in November last year in a FIFA World Cup qualifier match, where the Shaheens lost 4-0 to the Green Falcons.
The FIFA World Cup qualifier match Round 2 will be held at Jinnah Stadium at 8:30 pm PST.