Pakistan’s U17 football team clinched a commanding 5-1 victory over Sri Lanka in their final group match, advancing to the semi-finals of the 2024 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U17 Championship in Bhutan. This victory maintained Pakistan’s undefeated streak in the competition.
Subhan Kareem opened the scoring for Pakistan in the 20th minute, setting the tone for the match with a well-placed goal that gave his team a 1-0 lead. Just ten minutes later, Mohammad Talha doubled Pakistan’s advantage, making it 2-0. Subhan continued his stellar performance by netting his second goal in the 36th minute, putting Pakistan comfortably ahead at 3-0 by halftime.
The second half saw further woes for Sri Lanka as their defense faltered, resulting in an own goal that increased Pakistan’s lead to 4-0. Abdul Ghani then sealed the dominant display with a goal in the 56th minute, extending the lead to 5-0. Despite a late consolation goal from Sri Lanka in the 76th minute, Pakistan’s dominance was never in doubt.
In their previous game, Pakistan faced Bhutan in a thrilling encounter that ended in a 3-3 draw. Both teams showcased impressive skills, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. Khabib Khan initiated the scoring for Pakistan in the 38th minute, followed by Subhan’s goal in the 46th minute, giving Pakistan a 2-0 lead. Bhutan, however, mounted a strong comeback to equalize the score. Pakistan regained the lead with Abdul Samad’s goal in the 67th minute, but Bhutan countered to level the match once again.
Earlier in the tournament, Pakistan secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nepal in their opening game. This victory, combined with their undefeated streak in the group stage, has set a positive tone for the team’s performance in the semi-finals.
Pakistan’s journey in the SAFF U17 Championship has been marked by strong teamwork and individual brilliance, with players like Subhan Kareem and Abdul Ghani making significant contributions. As they prepare for the semi-finals, the team’s focus will be on maintaining their winning momentum and continuing their impressive form in the competition.
The Men in Green have demonstrated resilience and skill, and their fans will be hopeful for another stellar performance as they aim for the championship title.
