Karachi: In a strategic decision to strengthen his team before the qualifications of the AFC women’s Asian Cup, the Pakistan women’s football team should include more diaspora players in the team, familiar sources with the selection process told PK Press Club.
The decision reflects the management of management to align a more competitive side in the next tournament.
The provisional team, which has not yet been officially announced, presents six new diaspora players with professional experience in the European and North American leagues.
British-Pakistani midfielder Layla Banaras, formerly of Birmingham City, and Mariam Mahmood, an England striker West Bromwich Albion, are among the notable inclusions.
Aqsa Mushtaq, which plays for the Greek side of the division of Crete and has previous experience in Serie A d’Italie, should strengthen the attack.
The team also includes the goalkeeper of Canada Zeeyana Jivraj (Northern Colorado Women’s FC / USA WPSL), which previously played in the best League in Portugal, as well as the defenders of England Marsha Malik (Solihull Mors) and Azwa Charthry (West Ham United Youth Team).
A source close to the team selection said: “Bringing players with competitive league experience abroad is part of the plan to increase the team level before qualifying.”
The training camp is expected to start in Islamabad on June 19, Captain Maria Khan leading the provisional team of 22 players. Pakistan will participate in the E qualifying group, facing the Chinese Taipei (June 29), Indonesia (July 2) and Kyrgyzstan (July 5).
Provisional team for camp: Alia Sadiq, Amina Hanif, Anmol Hira, Aqsa Mushtaq, Azwa Charthry, Isra Khan, Jennah Farooki, Layla Banaras, Maria Khan (Captain), Mariam Mahmood, Nadia Khan, Nisha Ashraf, Nizalia Siddiqui, Rameen Fareed, Sanah Mehdi, Sara, Siddi Fareed, Sanah Mehdi, Sara, Sanani, Rameen Fareed, Sanah Mehdi, Sara. Sophiya Qureshi, Suha Hirani, Zeeyana Jivraj, Zehmena Malik, Marsha Malik and Zufia Nazeer.
