Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kabul: German Otto Pfister has been named as the new head coach of Afghanistan.
The vastly experienced 79-year-old was officially unveiled on Sunday after signing a one-year deal with the Afghanistan Football Federation (AFF).
Pfister will now oversee Afghanistan’s attempt to book a spot at the 2019 AFC Asian Cup when the third and final round of qualifying gets underway next month.
“After the resignation of former coach Petar Segrt, we tried to hire a good coach and we were able to reach an agreement with Pfister,” AFF President Keramuddin Karim told reporters.
“We have signed a contract with him and I hope that with Pfister and the new technical staff we will be able to fulfill our people’s wishes.”
Pfister, Africa’s Manager of the Year in 1992, already has a wealth of experience under his belt, having famously guided Saudi Arabia to the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Togo at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and Ghana to success at the 1991 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Cologne native has also won league titles in Lebanon and Egypt with Nejmeh and Zamalek respectively.
Afghanistan’s quest to reach the 2019 edition of the AFC Asian Cup continues on March 28 with a Group C clash against Vietnam in the neutral venue of Dushanbe.
Photo: AFP