Colombo, Sri Lanka – Pakistan’s Under-17 football team continued their sparkling run at the SAFF U-17 Championship, defeating the Maldives 5-2 in an electrifying group-stage encounter. The young Green Shaheens once again showcased their attacking firepower, with Mansoor Ahmad stealing the show through a brilliant hat-trick. Striker Muhammad Abdullah, who had already impressed in the opening game, added a brace to his tally, cementing his reputation as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Attacking Brilliance Overshadowed by Defensive Concerns
While Pakistan’s forwards dazzled with pace and precision, the two goals conceded against the Maldives highlighted vulnerabilities at the back. Both strikes came from lapses in concentration, something the coaching staff will be eager to address ahead of the tougher challenges that lie ahead. Still, the emphatic scoreline underlined Pakistan’s intent to establish themselves as serious contenders for the regional crown.
A Perfect Start to the Campaign
Pakistan opened their SAFF U-17 Championship campaign in style with a 4-0 thrashing of Bhutan at Colombo Racecourse Stadium. That game saw Muhammad Abdullah announce himself with a spectacular hat-trick, sending a clear message to rivals that Pakistan’s frontline is among the most dangerous in the tournament.
With Abdullah’s clinical finishing and Mansoor’s latest heroics, Pakistan now boasts two forwards in scintillating form – a combination that could prove decisive as the competition heats up.
Next Up: The Big Rivalry
The semifinal spot already secured, Pakistan now turns its focus to a high-stakes clash against arch-rivals India on September 22. The matchup promises to be a fierce test of Pakistan’s credentials, with defensive discipline likely to play as important a role as attacking flair. Football fans across South Asia will be watching closely, as Pakistan’s rising stars aim not just to advance but to send a statement against one of their toughest regional rivals.