![SAFF U17s: Pakistan close in on semifinals after win over Maldives [Geo Super]](https://footballpakistan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Maldives-vs-Pakistan-2025-SAFF-U17-Championship-1.jpg "SAFF U17s: Pakistan close in on semifinals after win over Maldives [Geo Super]")
by Faizan Lakhani
KARACHI: Pakistan notched their second straight win at the SAFF U17 Championship on Friday, defeating Maldives 5-2 in their group-stage clash at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo.
Mansoor Ahmad was the star of the day for Pakistan, completing a first-half hat trick to put Pakistan firmly in control.
He opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a composed finish before doubling the lead in the 32nd. Just before halftime, Ahmad converted a penalty in the 45th minute to seal his treble.
Maldives briefly threatened a comeback when Ali Ilaan struck in the 42nd minute, but Muhammad Abdullah restored Pakistan’s cushion with two goals — first from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time and again in the 61st minute after a well-worked move.
Maldives’ Mohamed Shayan Shifau scored in the 71st minute to reduce the deficit, but Pakistan comfortably saw out the game.
The 5-2 result follows Pakistan’s opening 4-0 win against Bhutan earlier in the tournament and strengthens their chances of reaching the SAFF U17 Championship semi-finals.
Muhammad Abdullah was the star of the show, scoring a brilliant hat-trick to lead the Green Shirts to a comprehensive win.
Abdullah opened the scoring in the 15th minute before doubling Pakistan’s lead with a fine strike in the 25th.
Pakistan remained in control throughout the first half, keeping Bhutan at bay and maintaining their two-goal advantage.
In the second half, Hamza Yasir extended Pakistan’s lead with a well-taken goal in the 67th minute. Just three minutes later, Abdullah sealed his hat-trick in the 70th, putting the result beyond doubt.
With six points from two games, Pakistan sit in a strong position in their group and will next face arch-rival India in their final group match on Monday.