(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
India Edge Pakistan 3-2 in Thrilling SAFF U-17 Clash
Colombo: Football fans were treated to a nail-biting encounter at the SAFF Under-17 Championship, where Pakistan and India battled it out in a high-intensity Group ‘B’ fixture. Despite Pakistan coming from behind twice, India struck a decisive third goal to secure a 3-2 win at the Colombo Racecourse Stadium on Monday.
Mohammad Abdullah (penalty) and Hamza Yasir scored for Pakistan, bringing the game level at 2-2 by the 70th minute. However, India’s substitute Rahan Ahmed netted the winner just three minutes later to seal the top spot in the group for his side.
With this result, India will face Nepal in the semi-finals, while Pakistan are set to take on Group ‘A’ winners Bangladesh. Both semi-final clashes will be played on Thursday.
Heading into the game, Pakistan only needed a draw to avoid Bangladesh in the last-four stage. But after a spirited performance, Nasir Ismail’s young side will now prepare for a tough test against their familiar rivals, who have knocked them out in the last two editions of the tournament.
India took the lead in the 31st minute through Dallalmoun Gangte, before Abdullah equalised from the spot just before half-time. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam restored India’s lead in the 63rd minute, but Hamza levelled again seven minutes later. The decisive moment came when Rahan pounced on a rebound in the 73rd minute to score the winner.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan showed resilience and attacking flair, giving fans hope for a strong showing in the semi-finals.
