Just one day before the much-anticipated AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the fate of the match remains uncertain. The Group ‘E’ clash, set to take place at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad, has hit a major roadblock as several Afghan players are still awaiting travel visas.
According to reports, while Afghan players and officials residing in Afghanistan have received their travel permits, many team members based overseas are stuck due to pending biometric verification. Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Mohsen Gilani confirmed that his federation has been in constant communication with authorities to resolve the issue before matchday.
The Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF), on the other hand, has expressed frustration over what it calls administrative delays. The Afghan Voice Agency revealed that the AFF submitted the team list to the Pakistan Embassy on September 18, with several follow-ups, but the process dragged on. The PFF, however, countered this claim, stating the final list was only received on September 27, exceeding the AFC’s 30-day visa submission policy.
As tensions rise, both football federations have reached out to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), requesting clarification and even hinting at a potential walkover if the match is canceled. Pakistani sports journalist Faizan Lakhani reported that the PFF has now appealed to the Interior Ministry of Pakistan to grant visas on arrival to the Afghan contingent in a final effort to keep the fixture alive.
The October 9 match is crucial for both nations, as Pakistan and Afghanistan are still searching for their first points in Group E after losses to Syria and Myanmar. With only the group winner advancing to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 in Saudi Arabia, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
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