By: Muhammad Faheem Anwar
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s women’s football team is set to make history as they kick off their maiden appearance in the FIFA Women’s Series against Turks and Caicos Islands on Thursday, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country.
The national side arrived in Côte d’Ivoire two days ago for the prestigious international event and has since been actively training under head coach Adeel Rizki, fine-tuning preparations ahead of their opening fixture.
This historic participation reflects the steady progress of women’s football in Pakistan and signals the beginning of a promising new era for the national team.
Pakistan’s inclusion in the FIFA Women’s Series has been made possible through the efforts of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani. During a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the sidelines of the Club World Cup, Gilani highlighted PFF’s initiatives aimed at promoting and developing women’s football in the country.
The FIFA Women’s Series runs from April 9 to April 16. Pakistan will face Mauritania in their second match on April 12, before taking on hosts Côte d’Ivoire in their final group fixture on April 16.
PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani expressed confidence in the team, stating that his leadership is focused on ensuring sustained growth and long-term development of football in Pakistan.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Zeeyana Jivraj, Nisha Ashraf, Arzoo Hazara
Defenders: Isra Khan, Anaya Ahmad, Anmol Hira, Kayla Siddiqui, Karissa Jivraj, Alia Sadiq, Maria Khan, Nizalia Siddiqi
Midfielders: Suha Hirani, Rameen Fareed, Layla Banaras, Sanah Mehdi, Zehmena Malik
Forwards: Mariam Mahmood, Aqsa Mushtaq, Aiman Altaf, Nadia Khan, Maryam Zehri, Azwa Chaudhry