In a nail-biting finish at the SAFF U-17 Championship 2024, Pakistan and Bhutan delivered a thrilling 3-3 draw, showcasing the young talents of both nations.
The match, held at the Changlimithang Stadium, was a goals-galore as Pakistan took the lead in the 38th minute when Khobaib Khan found the back of the net with a well-placed shot and equalized the game at 1-1.
The young midfielder’s goal was a result of a well-coordinated team effort, highlighting Pakistan’s attacking prowess. As the second half commenced, Pakistan doubled their lead in the 46th minute through Subhan Karim.
His goal, a brilliant display of individual skill and precision, seemed to put Pakistan in a commanding position. However, Bhutan, playing on home soil, was not to be outdone.
In the 67th minute, Sharaf Khan extended Pakistan’s lead with a deft finish, showcasing his composure under pressure, extending the scoreline to 3-1.
Yet, Bhutan’s resilience shone through as they mounted a spirited comeback, leveling the score with two quick goals in stoppage time, much to the delight of the home crowd, ensuring the match ended in a dramatic draw.
The referee awarded a last-minute penalty in stoppage time to Bhutan which was converted with composure by the home side forward.
With this result, Pakistan remains in contention for a spot in the semifinal as their final group-stage match against Sri Lanka on September 25 will be crucial.
Both teams will be eager to secure a victory to advance, promising another exciting chapter in this year’s SAFF under-17 championship.
Bhutan and Pakistan both have 4 points in Group B while Nepal has 3 points after 2 matches. Sri Lanka on the other hand has zero points and is currently languishing at the bottom of the table.
