The 2024 SAFF U17 Championship semifinal saw Bangladesh prove to be Pakistan’s bogey team once again. Bangladesh came from 2-0 down to draw level and beat Pakistan on penalties 8-7 to book their place in the SAFF U17 final.
The Changlimithang Stadium in Thimpu, Bhutan saw the second semifinal prove to be a gripping classic. Having beaten Pakistan in last year’s SAFF U16 semis at the same venue, Bangladesh came from behind to win on penalties this time round.
Despite Bangladesh dominating the early passages of play by keeping possession and creating chances, it was Pakistan who took the lead against the run of play. Pakistan U17 defender Shahab Ahmed scored from a Subhan Karim corner kick to make it 1-0.
The 2nd half saw Bangladesh still trying to score, only to concede a penalty due to a handball by a defender. Up stepped Abdul Rehman, who made his Pakistan senior team debut against Saudi Arabia back in June’s WCQs, and made it 2-0 from the spot in 62nd minute.
But Bangladesh kept the pressure and pushed harder as the clock ticked down. Substitute Md Manik reduced the deficit in the 74th minute after Pakistan failed to clear their lines from a Bangladesh corner.
With the end of normal time, Manik scored again to equalize in 4th minute of stoppage time to make it 2-2. Pakistan’s defensive nervousness against Bangladeshi attacks catching them off guard time and again.
At the final whistle, the game went straight to penalties. Both sides changed their goalkeepers for the shootout with Pakistan replacing Kashif with Ghulam Abbas and Bangladesh replacing Md Nahidul Islam with Md Rahman Imtiage.
However, it was Bangladesh who kept their cool as Pakistan’s Abdul Ghani saw his spot kick in sudden death by Bangladesh’s Imtiage. Ashikur Rahman then stepped up to convert past Pakistan’s Ghulam Abbas to give Bangladesh the victory and send Pakistan back home.
Bangladesh will face India in the final on 30 September, a repeat of last year’s SAFF U16 final which India had won. India had earlier beaten Nepal 4-2 in the other semifinal to confirm their passage.
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