Stephen Constantine Set to Return as Pakistan Football Coach for AFC Asian Cup Qualifier
KARACHI: The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has decided to bring back Stephen Constantine as the national team’s head coach, as reported by Geo News.
While an official confirmation is still awaited, the move comes as Pakistan gears up for the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, marking a significant moment for the country’s football ambitions.
According to sources, Constantine’s appointment is specifically for the upcoming qualifier against Syria, with any potential long-term role to be decided later.
“He is coming only for this match against Syria. Given the limited time, we opted to recall Stephen for continuity,” a PFF insider revealed.
Constantine previously led Pakistan from 2023 to 2024, guiding the team to a historic victory in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Cambodia. Under his leadership, Pakistan advanced to the second round of qualifiers for the first time, showcasing notable progress despite not making it further.
A well-respected figure in Asian football, Constantine has coached multiple national teams, including India and Nepal. He is particularly recognized for his success with India, where he played a key role in improving the country’s FIFA ranking and nurturing emerging talent.
The PFF has also confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, a major achievement following the lifting of FIFA’s suspension.
Pakistan is set to face Syria on March 25, 2024, in Saudi Arabia—Syria’s designated home venue for the match. Constantine is expected to take charge of the team for this crucial encounter.
