The Pakistan Football Federation rehired Stephen Constantine as national team coach. Pakistan prepares for the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, a vital stage in its football journey. An official announcement has yet to be made. According to sources, Constantine has only been asked to coach the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Syria. Long-term appointment will be decided later.
“He is only coming for this qualifier (vs Syria). We didn’t have time to adjust, so we asked Stephen to return for this match, claimed a PFF insider.
Constantine managed Pakistan in 2023–2024. During his first stint with Pakistan, the Shaheens won the FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Cambodia and qualified for the second round for the first time in history. They couldn’t advance further, but the team improved greatly.
Stephen Constantine has managed India, Nepal, and other Asian nations. He is most known for his two successful spells with the Indian national team, where he raised India’s FIFA standing and produced young talent.
Sources said the PFF has confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, a huge step ahead after FIFA’s suspension was lifted. Pakistan faces Syria on March 25, 2024, in their qualifying opener.
Syria plays their home game in Saudi Arabia. Constantine will lead the team in this vital match, sources said.
