Pakistan Football Federation Reinstates Stephen Constantine as Head Coach

KARACHI: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has decided to reappoint Stephen Constantine as the head coach of the national team, as reported by Geo News. This decision, though awaiting official confirmation, comes as Pakistan prepares for the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, a pivotal stage in the nation’s football development. However, sources indicate that Constantine’s appointment is currently limited to the AFC Asian Cup qualifier match against Syria. A decision regarding a long-term appointment will be made at a later date. “He is coming only for this qualifier (vs Syria). We don’t have enough time for any change so we asked Stephen to come back for this match,” a PFF source revealed. Constantine previously managed the Pakistan team from 2023 to 2024. During his initial tenure, the Shaheens achieved a historic victory against Cambodia in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, enabling them to qualify for the second round for the first time. Although they did not advance further, the team demonstrated significant improvement under his leadership. Stephen Constantine is a well-known figure in Asian football, having coached numerous national teams across the continent, including India and Nepal. He is particularly recognized for his two successful stints with the Indian national team, where he notably enhanced India’s FIFA ranking and nurtured young talent. The PFF, according to sources, has also confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, marking a significant step forward following the lifting of FIFA’s suspension. Pakistan’s first match in the qualifiers is scheduled for March 25, 2024, against Syria. The match, Syria’s home game, will be held in Saudi Arabia. Sources confirm that Constantine is set to lead the team in this crucial fixture.