Maria Khan, the captain of the Pakistan women’s football team, is trending on social media after scoring a stunning goal against Saudi Arabia in the final match of the four-nation tournament on Thursday.
The last game of the Women’s International Friendly Tournament between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia ended in a draw with the two teams scoring one goal each. Saudi Arabia was leading the game with 1-0 in the first half, but Pakistan skipper Maria Khan equalled it with a stunning direct free kick in the second half.
However, Saudi Arabia was declared the winner of the tournament with seven points on the points table and Pakistan was declared the runner-up with four points. The tournament featured Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Comoros and Mauritius and kicked off last week at the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Stadium in Al-Khobar city.
Maria Jamila Khan, popularly known as Maria Khan, is an American-born Pakistani professional footballer and she plays as a midfielder. Born in the United States, Maria Khan represents and captains the Pakistan national team. She comes from a family with a prestigious sports history. She is the granddaughter of Pakistani squash legend Hashim Khan and niece of the next generation legend Jahangir Khan.
In 2009, Maria Khan joined Denver Pioneers as a goalkeeper in the United States. In 2013, she moved to the United Arab Emirates to pursue her master’s degree. There, she transitioned into a midfielder for an amateur side, was signed for an Emirati side and became a midfielder. It was there that she learnt more about women football in Pakistan that eventually led her to play for WAPDA at the 2018 National Women Football Championship.
In October 2020, she was one of the 30 players called up for the training camp of the Pakistan women’s national team. After that, Maria Khan signed for an Emirati club.
Maria Khan’s Husband Showers Praise On Her
Maria Khan’s husband Omar Al Duri, host of “The Half Time Show” @pulse95radio, award-winning trainer, author of Reset, health and fitness ambassador and international football coach, said he was proud of her achievement.
Sharing the video of the stunning goal on his Instagram handle, Omar Al Duri wrote, “What they don’t see is the drive, dedication and sacrifice you experience behind the scenes. May Allah always protect you and grant you your wishes. Another step in the right direction with a nation that does as much for you as you do for them. Your team mates, coaches, family & support system are all an integral part in what you wish to achieve so continue to look after them and grow with them. I’m proud of you.”
Here are glimpses of Maria Khan’s marriage to Omar Al Duri.