The Pakistan women national football team is set to make its first senior appearance in a FIFA-sanctioned event, competing in the FIFA Series in Ivory Coast from April 9 to 16. This milestone represents a major step for women’s football in Pakistan as players gain rare international exposure and competitive experience.
Pakistan will begin its campaign against the Turks and Caicos Islands on April 9, meet Mauritania on April 12 and close the group phase against hosts Ivory Coast on April 16, a fixture that promises both challenge and opportunity for the developing side.
Under the direction of women’s head coach Adeel Rizki, the squad completed an intensive preparation camp in Lahore designed to build cohesion and sharpen match readiness ahead of the overseas assignment. The team is scheduled to depart for Ivory Coast on Monday to finalise preparations on arrival.
Nadia Khan expressed the squad’s gratitude to Pakistan Football Federation leadership, thanking PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani for enabling the team’s participation. “On behalf of the entire team, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to PFF President Mohsen Gilani for making our participation in the FIFA Series possible,” she said, adding that opportunities like this make a tangible difference for players seeking higher-level competition.
Goalkeeper Zeeyana Jivraj highlighted the value of extended preparation time together, saying “FIFA specifically picks us to compete in the FIFA series, and I think it is really big for us.” She noted that the weeks spent training as a group have helped the players connect and build understanding ahead of the tournament.
Midfielder Sanah Mehdi urged fans to follow and support the team during the campaign, stressing that home support means a great deal to the players and can drive performance on the pitch.
The travelling squad includes goalkeepers Zeeyana Jivraj, Nisha Ashraf and Arzoo Hazara, defenders Isra Khan, Anaya Ahmad, Anmol Hira, Kayla Siddiqui, Karissa Jivraj, Alia Sadiq, Maria Khan and Nizalia Siddiqi, midfielders Suha Hirani, Rameen Fareed, Layla Banaras, Sanah Mehdi and Zehmena Malik, and forwards Mariam Mahmood, Aqsa Mushtaq, Aiman Altaf, Nadia Khan, Maryam Zehri and Azwa Chaudhry. For Pakistan women this tournament is a platform to measure progress and gain the international minutes that are so crucial for development.
