Pakistan squad for AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers named

LAHORE: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has officially announced a 21-member squad for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, slated to run from June 29 to July 5 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Drawn into Group E alongside Chinese Taipei, the host nation Indonesia, and Kyrgyzstan, the national women’s team will be aiming to create history by qualifying for the continental showpiece for the first time ever. The squad will be captained by Maria Khan, a veteran defender and key figure in Pakistan’s recent resurgence.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Jennah Farooki, Nisha Ashraf, Zeeyana Jivraj; Defenders: Aliya Sadiq, Layla Banaras, Maria Khan (C), Nizalia Siddiqui, Sophia Qureshi; Midfielders: Amina Hanif, Azwa Chaudhry, Marsha Malik, Rameen Fareed, Sanah Mehdi, Suha Hirani; Forwards: Anmol Hira, Aqsa Mushtaq, Isra Khan, Mariam Mahmood, Nadia Khan, Zehmena Malik, Zulfia Nazir.

Adeel Rizki will be the head coach. The roster combines overseas-based professionals with rising local talent, a strategic blend as the team faces stiff group-stage challenges—particularly against Chinese Taipei, currently ranked in the top 40 globally by FIFA.

Pakistan will begin its campaign on June 29 against Chinese Taipei, followed by matches on July 2 against Indonesia and July 5 against Kyrgyzstan. To prepare, the team will undergo an intensive training camp at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, from June 19 to 26.

Meanwhile head coach Rizk said: “The qualifiers are a pivotal step in our rebuilding process. We’re confident that this group can represent Pakistan with pride and push boundaries on the continental stage.” This marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s women’s football journey, following years of administrative setbacks that saw the team inactive on the international circuit. Federation officials view this campaign as a chance to showcase the country’s progress and potential.