Pakistan’s under-17 football team qualified for the semifinals after they secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Sri Lanka in their final group match of the SAFF U-17 Championship.
The match, held at the Dasharath Stadium, showcased Pakistan’s dominance from the outset. The first half saw Pakistan take an early lead, with Subhan Karim opening the scoring.
However, Talha doubled the lead with a well-placed header while Subhan Karim, the standout performer of the match, quickly followed with a brace, demonstrating his exceptional skill and composure in front of the goal.
By halftime, Pakistan had established a commanding 3-0 lead, leaving Sri Lanka struggling to find their footing. The second half continued in a similar vein, with Pakistan extending their lead to 4-0.
Subhan Karim was instrumental once again, forcing an own goal from the Sri Lankan defense. Karachi United’s Abdul Ghani added to the tally, scoring Pakistan’s fifth goal with a powerful strike.
Despite Sri Lanka managing to pull one goal back, the match ended in a comprehensive 5-1 victory for Pakistan. This win not only secures Pakistan’s place in the semifinals but also puts them in a strong position to top their group. If Bhutan manages to defeat Nepal by a two-goal margin the hosts will top the group.
The team’s performance has been a testament to their preparation and determination, setting high expectations for their semifinal match in the SAFF under-17 championship.