ISLAMABAD- The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has obtained the much-awaited No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the country’s Foreign Office, allowing the national football team to participate in the upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup.The tournament is set to take place in India, with matches scheduled at the prestigious Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru from June 21 to July 4.
The Pakistan men’s football team, currently in Mauritius for a four-nation tournament, will compete in Group A alongside traditional rivals India, Kuwait, and Nepal. The highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and India is set to kick off the tournament on June 21, igniting a fierce battle on the field.
Pakistan, currently ranked 195th, has been gearing up for the SAFF Cup by participating in the ongoing four-nation tournament in Mauritius. Despite facing defeats against the hosts Mauritius and Kenya, the Pakistani team remains determined to showcase their skills and make a mark in the upcoming SAFF Cup. Their final match in the tournament will be against Djibouti on June 17.
In a notable development, Lebanon and Kuwait, although not SAFF member nations, have been invited to participate in the eight-team event, adding a touch of diversity and excitement. Lebanon, ranked 99th, will enter the competition as the highest-ranked team, closely followed by India. The remaining rankings are as follows: Kuwait (143), Nepal (174), Pakistan (195), Maldives (154), Bhutan (185), and Bangladesh (192).
The SAFF Cup promises thrilling encounters, intense rivalries, and the opportunity for teams to showcase their talent on a regional stage. Football enthusiasts eagerly await the action-packed tournament, and the Pakistani team aims to deliver a strong performance, aiming to make their mark and compete fiercely against formidable opponents.
