Pakistan women’s football striker Zahmena Malik has made a significant move to join Saudi first-division club Al Hmmah FC, currently competing in the second tier of the Saudi Arabian women’s football pyramid.
Based in Riyadh, Al Hmmah FC is actively pursuing promotion to the Saudi Pro League and presently leads the standings in Group 1 of the Saudi first division.
Zahmena Malik, a 22-year-old London-born player, brings international experience, having represented the Pakistan women’s team in seven matches and scoring a crucial goal against Tajikistan during the Paris Olympic qualifiers, contributing to a historic victory. Her journey in football began with London Seaward in the fourth tier of the English football pyramid. During her early teens, she showcased her talent in the Tottenham Hotspur women’s youth academy before transitioning to college football in England.
Having debuted for Pakistan against Comoros, Zahmena was part of the country’s first-ever women’s match against an African nation. Meanwhile, Maria Khan, the captain and defensive midfielder of the Pakistan women’s team, is making her mark in the Saudi Pro League, representing Eastern Flames. Maria has notched up three assists in the current season, securing her place as the joint second-highest assist provider in the league.
Zahmena Malik and Maria Khan stand out as pillars of the Pakistan women’s team, contributing significantly to the squad’s improvement in FIFA rankings. Last year, Pakistan’s women’s team climbed four places, moving from 161 to 157, following a penalty shootout victory against Laos. The success of these two overseas Pakistani players played a crucial role in the team’s upward trajectory. Their presence and performance have not only strengthened the national team but also enhanced its standing on the global stage.
