Pakistan’s success at 2023 SAFF Championship lies in team cohesion, ex-international Nasir Ismail feels
Pakistan is entering SAFF Championship 2023 thanks to a five match winless streak. The side also includes former Manchester United youngster Otis Khan and former England U-20 captain Easah Suliman.
New Delhi: After a year-long FIFA ban that ended last year, it will return to the international squad. Pakistan have entered the 2023 SAFF Championship winless in their last five meetings and their fortunes in the continental showpiece depend on team cohesion, believes former national team star Nasir Ismail.
Despite having former Manchester United youngster Otis Khan and former England U-20 captain Easah Suliman in their arsenal, Pakistan are entering this tournament after losing all of their Four-Nations Cup matches to Mauritius.
Before that, they lost FIFA friendlies against Nepal and Maldives. “It is important that all players undergo proper training and preparation to ensure the cohesion and readiness of the team,” Ismail told Pakistan’s India.com.
“Including overseas based players of Pakistani descent can have its benefits, but it is crucial for all players to ensure a strong and consistent performance in the SAFF Championships,” added the former midfielder who played for 1993-2003. the national team played. .
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Their 12th appearance in the SAFF Championship, Pakistan’s best showing in the tournament was in Nepal in 1997 where they finished fourth. They open their campaign against title favorite India on Wednesday at the Sree Kantereeva Stadium in Bengaluru.
However, it would be a tough task for Pakistan’s head coach Shahzad Anwar against India, coming after two consecutive international tournament wins – Tri-Nation Series in March and Intercontinental Cup 2023 earlier this month.
For the unknown, Anwar started as acting manager of Pakistan in 2008 before being officially appointed as head coach last year. Since taking the job nothing has gone right for Anwar with the side losing all their five matches under him.
Ismail believes that the performance of the 2023 SAFF Championship in Pakistan can determine Anwar’s future. “Their performances in the last few games have not convinced me as a coach and some of the decisions made by the head coach do not suit the national team.
“Each coach has their own philosophy and choice of selection, but I think these SAFF Championships will determine the head coach’s future,” he added. Pakistan played India 26 times and won only three.
India won 13 games, the rest ended in a draw. The last time India played against Pakistan was in the 2018 SAFF Championship. Ismail believes the SAFF Championship is a perfect platform for the newly built Pakistan team to showcase their talent and skills at the continental level.
“The matches between Pakistan and India in any sporting event often generate a lot of excitement due to the historical rivalry and the passion of the fans from both countries. These encounters can be highly anticipated and fiercely contested, giving players a platform to showcase their skills and determination,” he said.