Afghanistan team denied stay extension

ISLAMABAD: The Afghanistan football team’s request to extend their stay in Islamabad for a couple of days after Thursday’s Asia Cup Qualifying Round match against Pakistan has been turned down by the authorities.

The team has been instructed to leave the country within 72 hours of their arrival, in accordance with visa regulations. Pakistan and Afghanistan played out a goalless draw in front of a spirited crowd at the Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, a match that went ahead only after last-minute facilitation by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior. The Afghan squad had arrived in the federal capital on short notice after failing to meet several administrative deadlines, including the submission of visa applications as required by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

Despite the procedural lapses, the Ministry of Interior went the extra mile to ensure that the match proceeded as planned, issuing on-arrival visas to all Afghan players purely to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and regional cooperation.

However, on Friday, a majority of the Afghan team members reportedly expressed their wish to remain in Islamabad for a few more days before flying to Kuwait for the return leg against Pakistan, scheduled for Tuesday. Their request was formally declined.

“When the Afghanistan players were issued visas upon arrival at the Islamabad Airport, it was clearly communicated that the visas were valid for only three days,” an official close to the development told The News. “Some players had requested time to meet their relatives and acquaintances in Pakistan, but that was not possible under the visa terms. Efforts are now being made to facilitate their departure within the next 12 hours.”

Meanwhile, the Pakistan national team is also facing flight issues and ticket confirmation. If all goes according to plan, the Greenshirts are expected to depart for Kuwait within the next 36 hours to compete in the crucial second-leg encounter. Pakistan buoyed by their improved second-half performance in the Islamabad fixture, are determined to turn their dominance into victory in the away leg.