In a dramatic and hard-fought encounter, the India U-17 men’s national team edged out arch-rival Pakistan 3-2 at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on Monday, climbing to the top of Group B in the SAFF U-17 Championship 2025.
The match was decided in the 73rd minute when substitute Rahan Ahmed struck the decisive blow, sealing a perfect group-stage campaign for India with three wins in as many matches.
India’s goals came from Dallalmuon Gangte (31’), Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (63’), and Ahmed (73’), while Pakistan responded through Muhammad Abdullah’s penalty (43’) and Hamza Yasir’s opportunistic rebound (70’).
The contest began with both sides probing cautiously, but India settled quicker into rhythm. They tested Pakistan’s backline with swift passing and intelligent movement. Gangte was at the heart of early attacks, setting up Kamgouhao Doungel for the game’s first real chance, only for Pakistan goalkeeper Saamar Razzak to make a composed save.
India’s pressing game troubled the Pakistani defence, and an error from Razzak nearly led to a goal when Gangte tried a lofted finish over the keeper, who recovered just in time.
Pakistan responded with physicality and tested India with set-pieces, but goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah remained vigilant, denying Yasir in a crowded box.
The breakthrough for India came through sheer quality. Danny Singh Wangkhem danced past his marker on the left wing and delivered a precision cross for Gangte, who made no mistake, slamming in a composed finish in the 31st minute.
However, Pakistan hit back before the break. In the 43rd minute, Yasir’s driving run drew a foul from Thonggoumang Touthang inside the box, and Abdullah calmly converted the resulting penalty to level the score at halftime.
India came out attacking after the interval. Wangkheirakpam’s curling free-kick and Ahmed’s sharp attempt were both denied, but India’s persistence bore fruit in the 63rd minute. Touthang atoned for his earlier error with a sublime pass that split the defence, and Wangkheirakpam slotted past Razzak to restore India’s lead.
Yet, Pakistan refused to back down. In the 70th minute, Baruah failed to hold a long-range strike from Muhammad Awais, and Yasir reacted quickly to tap in the rebound for 2-2.
The decisive moment came just three minutes later. Azlaan Shah’s curler was parried by Razzak, but Ahmed latched onto the loose ball, shrugged off his marker, and calmly netted the winner to seal the contest.
India now advance to the semifinals, where they will face Bangladesh on September 25, riding high after a dominant group stage that also included wins over Maldives (6-0) and Bhutan (1-0).
