The 2024 SAFF U17 Championship saw a stunning encounter at the Chanlimithang Stadium in Thimpu, Bhutan earlier today, 23 September. Bhutan snatched a draw from the jaws of defeat in stoppage time against Pakistan.
In a much anticipated Group B fixture, Pakistan U17s took on home side Bhutan U17s in front an eager crowd. Both teams had won their opening fixtures, with Pakistan edging Nepal 1-0 while Bhutan smashed Sri Lanka 5-1 on 21 September.
Bhutan took an early lead when Thinley Yezer scored past Pakistan goalkeeper Kashif after 25 minutes. Pakistan maintained pressure and came back when midfielder Khobaib Khan equalized.
Bannu-born Khobaib’s strike from distance flew past Bhutan goalkeeper Tandin Penjor in 38th minute. Despite the back and forth, it remained 1-1 at half time.
Pakistan came out flying in second half with Gwadar-native Subhan Karim gave the Young Shaheens the lead in 47th minute with a nicely taken strike. Subhan had also scored the winner Bhutan in last year’s SAFF U16 Championship group stage fixture at the same venue.
In 68th minute, Sharaf Khan from Chaman made it 3-1 for Pakistan after a quick counterattack down the left flank. The goal silenced the home crowd with Pakistan seemingly set to win their second consecutive game in the SAFF U17s.
However, Bhutan managed to claw their way back in stoppage time. Bhutan substitute Tandin Phuntso’s mishit cross ended up inside Pakistan’s net to make it 3-2 on 90+4 minutes, raising the home crowd morale.
Barely a minute later, Pakistan defence failed to clear their lines from a throw-in and conceded a penalty due to handball call by the referee. Sonam Dorji stepped up and equalised for Bhutan with just seconds left in stoppage time to share the points.
Pakistan looked stunned, with their inability to finish off the game earlier costing them dearly. In an earlier fixture, Nepal thrashed Sri Lanka 4-0 to get their first points of the campaign.
Both Bhutan and Pakistan now have 4 points from 2 games, with Bhutan current Group B leaders due to superior goal difference. Nepal are 3rd with 3 points, while Sri Lanka remain bottom on 0 points.
Pakistan now face Sri Lanka on 25 September, knowing a point against a struggling Sri Lankan side will be enough to secure a semifinal spot but a big score win may be enough to win the group entirely. Bhutan also need a result against Nepal on same day to confirm their semifinal spot.
In the three-team Group A, India are currently top with 3 points with Bangladesh and Maldives both on 1 point each. India had beaten Bangladesh 1-0 on 20 September while Maldives managed to snatch a 1-1 draw with Bangladesh on 22 September.
India play Maldives tomorrow, 24 September with a draw enough to guarantee both sides reach semis. Bangladesh would prefer India win big so they can reach semifinals ahead of Maldives due to better goal difference.
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