Congratulations pour in as Pakistan stun Afghanistan to win Diamond Jubilee football title
Why this matters: local context for readers following news across Pakistan and the region.
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan lifted the Diamond Jubilee Football Tournament trophy after defeating Afghanistan 2-0 in the final played in the Maldives. The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Shaiq Dost produced a superb strike to give Pakistan the lead. The goal energized supporters and put the national side in control of the match. As Afghanistan searched for an equalizer, Pakistan maintained its defensive discipline and continued to create opportunities. In the closing stages of the game, Haroon Hamid scored a second goal to seal a memorable victory and confirm Pakistan as tournament champions. One of the most remarkable aspects of Pakistan’s campaign was its defensive record. The team completed the entire tournament without conceding a single goal, highlighting the strength and organization of its back line. The triumph marks a significant moment in Pakistan football history, as it represents the national team’s first standalone international tournament title. While Pakistan previously shared the Ceylon Cup title with India in 1952 and won a gold medal at the 1991 South Asian Games, those achievements came under different circumstances. The victory in the Maldives stands as a unique milestone and has been celebrated by football fans as a sign of progress and renewed optimism for the future of the sport in Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended heartiest congratulations to Pakistan’s football team on winning the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives. Heartiest congratulations to Pakistan’s 🇵🇰 football team on winning the 2026 Diamond Jubilee International Football Tournament in the Maldives. Their impressive victory over Afghanistan in the final has brought pride and joy to the entire nation. Wishing our talented players… — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) June 11, 2026 Their impressive victory over Afghanistan in the final has brought pride and joy to the entire nation. “Wishing our talented players continued succe