ISLAMABAD, Oct 30 (APP): Shaheens sign off their debut FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival campaign with a comeback win, finishing 169th overall with four victories and two draws in 10 matches.
Pakistan brought their debut campaign at the FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival 2026 in Azerbaijan to a memorable close with a 4-2 victory over Djibouti, producing a determined comeback after falling behind in the first half, said a press release.
Djibouti took the lead through a cross from the right, with the ball slipping into the bottom corner. Pakistan went into the half-time break trailing 1-0.
The Shaheens came out strongly after the interval and drew level in the 23rd minute when captain and midfielder Mohammad Mustafa stepped up to a free-kick on the edge of the box and powered the ball into the net.
With Djibouti reduced to seven players, Pakistan capitalised on their numerical advantage. Kaleemullah put the Shaheens ahead in the 32nd minute, collecting the ball at the edge of the box before calmly placing it into the bottom-right corner.
Just a minute later, Pakistan extended their lead to 3-1 through an own goal. Djibouti responded almost immediately with a counterattacking goal, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and setting up a tense finish.
Djibouti pushed forward in search of an equaliser, putting Pakistan under sustained pressure as they looked to force a penalty shootout. The Shaheens, however, held their nerve and sealed the victory in added time. A kick-in from
Mohammad Mustafa found Danish Masih at the far post, and he finished confidently to secure the 4-2 win.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani, who was present at the match, congratulated the players and team management on a memorable campaign and praised the squad’s performances throughout the tournament. He expressed confidence that the experience gained from competing against teams from across the world would help the young players develop further and excel in their future careers representing Pakistan.
Pakistan concluded their 10-match campaign in 169th place in the overall tournament standings, recording four victories and two draws in their historic debut at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
