Stephen Constantine’s tenure as Pakistan head coach concludes

Stephen Constantine’s contract as head coach of the Pakistan men’s football team has officially ended, following his appointment by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) in September 2023. During his tenure, Constantine made history by guiding the national team to the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for the first time, thanks to their victory over Cambodia.

Recalling the moment, Constantine shared a lighthearted memory with Al Jazeera, saying, “They made history, got the win, and then smashed two cakes in my face.”

In his retirement statement, Constantine expressed his gratitude to the PFF for the opportunity, highlighting the unforgettable moments, particularly the historic win over Cambodia at Jinnah Stadium on October 17, 2023. He described the scenes from that day as something he would always cherish.

“I am deeply thankful to the PFF for entrusting me with the role. The support from the staff was remarkable, and I’m grateful to everyone who stood by me throughout the challenging journey,” Constantine said.

He also praised the football fans in Pakistan, acknowledging their immense passion and support, which played a crucial role in the team’s success.

Haroon Malik, chairman of the PFF Normalization Committee, recognized Constantine’s contributions to Pakistani football, stating, “The nation will always remember our success in the World Cup qualifiers, and Stephen Constantine’s services to Pakistan football will never be forgotten.”