As the south Asian football world gears up for the 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship, fans of the Pakistan women’s national football team are filled with hope and excitement. Over the years, the team has had its share of challenges and moments of progress. The team was formed in 2010 and has not yet qualified for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup or the FIFA Women’s World Cup. It has however competed in four editions of the biennial SAFF Women’s Championship.
This piece traces the journey of the Pakistan women’s football team in the SAFF Women’s Championship. We look ahead to this year’s tournament with anticipation.
A Brief History of the SAFF Women’s Championship
The SAFF Women’s Championship is a competition for national teams of the South Asian Football Federation. It has been a crucial platform for women’s football in the region. The tournament began in 2010 and has seen dominance by India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Pakistan’s women’s team has not enjoyed as much success on the regional stage. However, they have taken important steps toward developing their program and making their mark.
Related: Squad Announcement: Pakistan Prepares for 2024 SAFF Women’s Football
Pakistan’s Debut and Early Challenges (2010 & 2012)
Pakistan made its debut in the inaugural SAFF Women’s Championship in 2010 under head coach Tariq Lutfi. The tournament was hosted in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Despite the team’s excitement and determination, the competition proved to be a tough challenge. Pakistan secured victories against Maldives (2-1) and Afghanistan (3-0) in the group stages. However, their campaign ended with a heavy 8-0 defeat to India. This showed the significant gap in football development between the two nations.
In the 2012 edition held in Sri Lanka, Pakistan once again faced stiff competition. The team showed resilience but couldn’t progress beyond the group stages. They suffered losses against Nepal (0-8) and Afghanistan (0-4) before securing a morale-boosting 3-0 win against Maldives. The early exit highlighted the urgent need for a stronger domestic women’s football infrastructure. This is essential for competing effectively at the regional level.
The Rebuilding Phase (2014)
The 2014 SAFF Women’s Championship was held in Islamabad, Pakistan. It was an opportunity for the team Pakistan to play in front of a home crowd. This tournament was a step forward in terms of experience and exposure. Pakistan started with a 4-1 victory over Bhutan, giving fans hope for a brighter future. However, defeats to Nepal (0-2) and Sri Lanka (1-2) in the remaining group matches hindered their progress. Once again, they fell short of qualifying for the knockout rounds.
Despite the challenges, this edition was a moment of pride for the team, as it gave Pakistani women’s football wider visibility and helped raise awareness about the sport in the country.
The Long Absence (2016-2019)
Unfortunately, political turmoil, internal disputes within the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), and third-party interference led to Pakistan’s suspension from international football in 2015. This caused the women’s team to miss both the 2016 and 2019 editions of the SAFF Women’s Championship. The team also missed the South Asian Games in those years. The Pakistani team also lost its FIFA ranking, which it had first earned after the 2010 and 2012 SAFF Championships. This absence was a major setback, costing the team crucial years of development and much-needed international exposure.
The 2022 Return: A New Era
In 2022, after years of uncertainty and absence, Pakistan made a spirited return to international football in the SAFF Women’s Championship. This tournament was hosted in Nepal. The return wasn’t just a comeback—it was a statement. With renewed energy and a blend of experienced players and fresh talent, Pakistan aimed to make a statement. They were eager to remind the world that their women’s football had not been forgotten.
Seasoned players like Hajra Khan, Malika-e-Noor, Syeda Mahpara, and Nisha Ashraf were key figures in the squad. Roshnan Ali, Sahar Zaman, and Zulfia Nazir, who last represented Pakistan in 2014, also brought leadership. Their experience provided the team with valuable guidance. Meanwhile, a host of new players were given their first international call-ups, bringing fresh enthusiasm to the team. Notably, two overseas players, Nadia Khan and Maria Khan, were included for the first time. The captaincy shifted from Hajra Khan to Maria Khan, with Malika-e-Noor serving as vice-captain.
The tournament results may not have fully showcased the team’s potential, but the very fact that Pakistan was back on the international stage was a victory in itself. In their opening match, Pakistan faced 58th-ranked India, suffering a 3–0 defeat, followed by a 6–0 loss to Nepal, ending their hopes of reaching the semifinals.
However, the team’s spirit remained unshaken. Their defining moment came with a commanding 7-0 win over the Maldives, a game that highlighted their resilience and growth. Nadia Khan stole the show, scoring four goals and becoming Pakistan’s joint all-time leading scorer. It was also the first time a Pakistani player had netted three or more goals in a single match, making it a historic victory for the team.
While they didn’t progress beyond the group stage, the emphatic win over the Maldives sent a clear message: Pakistan’s women’s football team is rebuilding, and they are here to stay.
Key Players to Watch
Over the years, several standout players have played pivotal roles in Pakistan’s journey in the SAFF Women’s Championship. Veterans like Hajra Khan, Malika-e-Noor (who recently announced her retirement), Syeda Mahpara, Nisha Ashraf, Roshnan Ali, Sahar Zaman, and Zulfia Nazir have been the backbone of the national team, contributing greatly to women’s football in Pakistan. Their leadership and experience have laid a solid foundation for the team.
Now, a new generation of talent is stepping up to carry the torch forward. Rising stars like Nadia Khan, Rumaysa Khan, Mishal Bhatti, Nizalia Siddiqi, Sophia Qureshi, Rameen Fareed, Maria Khan, and Zahmena Malik are bringing fresh energy and promise to the squad. These players represent the future of Pakistan women’s football, combining youthful enthusiasm with growing experience as they look to lead the team to new heights in the years to come.
What’s Next
Pakistan’s journey in the SAFF Women’s Championship has been a tale of growth, setbacks, and resilience. Despite the team’s passion and determination, they continue to face significant challenges, including limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and fewer opportunities compared to their regional counterparts. Yet, with increased exposure and improved training programs, there’s growing hope that Pakistan can become a more competitive force in the SAFF region.
The future looks bright as grassroots development and efforts to promote women’s football in the country gain momentum. The National Women’s Football Championship, Pakistan’s premier competition for women’s clubs, launched by the Pakistan Football Federation in 2005, has been a critical platform for nurturing talent. The 2024 edition, won by Karachi City FC under head coach Adeel Rizki—who also serves as head coach of the national women’s team—demonstrates the growing strength of the domestic game. Other women’s football clubs, such as Karachi United, Diya FC, Hazara Quetta Football Club & Academy, and Legacy Football Club, also play a pivotal role in the development of women’s football in Pakistan.
With the right support, investment, and continued development, Pakistan’s women’s football team has the potential to rise through the ranks and make a powerful statement at the upcoming 2024 SAFF Women’s Championship. The foundations for a strong comeback are being laid, and the team is poised for greater success in the near future.
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