Stephen Constantine set to return as Pakistan football coach for AFC Asian Cup qualifier

Stephen Constantine Returns as Pakistan Football Head Coach for AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

KARACHI – The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has decided to reappoint Stephen Constantine as the head coach of the national team, Geo News reported.

Although an official announcement is yet to be made, the move comes as Pakistan gears up for the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, a significant milestone in the country's football journey.

However, sources indicate that Constantine’s appointment is only for the upcoming qualifier against Syria, with a decision on a long-term role to be considered later.

"He is coming only for this qualifier (vs Syria). We don’t have enough time for any changes, so we asked Stephen to return for this match," a PFF source revealed.

Constantine’s Previous Stint with Pakistan

Constantine previously coached the Shaheens from 2023 to 2024, during which he led Pakistan to a historic victory in the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Cambodia—securing the team's first-ever advancement to the second round of qualifiers. While Pakistan couldn’t progress beyond that stage, his tenure was marked by significant improvement in the team's performance.

A Well-Known Name in Asian Football

A seasoned coach in Asian football, Constantine has managed multiple national teams, including India and Nepal. He is best remembered for his two successful spells with India, where he helped elevate the country’s FIFA ranking and played a crucial role in developing young talent.

Pakistan Set for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers

The PFF has confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, marking a major step forward following the lifting of FIFA’s suspension.

Pakistan’s first match is scheduled for March 25, 2024, against Syria. As Syria’s home fixture, the match will be held in Saudi Arabia. Constantine is expected to take charge of the team for this crucial encounter.