In a match that had everything goals, drama, and controversy the India U-17 men’s national football team edged past arch-rivals Pakistan 3-2 at the Racecourse International Stadium to finish top of Group B in the ongoing SAFF U17 Championship 2025.
Goals from Dallalmuon Gangte (31’), Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (63’), and Rahan Ahmad (73’) sealed victory for India, who now head into the semifinals brimming with confidence. Pakistan, despite the loss, also advanced, finishing second in the group.
The match began with both sides probing cautiously, aware of the intensity that accompanies every India-Pakistan clash. For the first half hour, India enjoyed more possession, their midfield trio keeping Pakistan pinned in their own half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute. Danny Singh Wangkhem showcased his pace and trickery on the flank, beating his marker before swinging in a precise cross. Dallalmuon Gangte, timing his run to perfection, met the ball cleanly and rifled his shot into the net, giving India a deserved 1-0 lead.
Gangte’s strike was the culmination of sustained pressure, and at that point, India looked in control. But as is often the case in these high-stakes encounters, a momentary lapse shifted the momentum.
Pakistan Hit Back with Controversial Celebration
Just before halftime, Pakistan found their equalizer. In the 43rd minute, Thonggoumang Touthang brought down Hamza Yasir inside the penalty box, leaving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Muhammad Abdullah stepped up and confidently converted, slotting the ball past goalkeeper Baruah to make it 1-1.
What followed sparked conversation beyond the 90 minutes. Abdullah ran to the corner and, with teammates joining him, mimicked sipping tea in his celebration. The mocking gesture immediately drew attention, viewed as a jab at India.
But if Pakistan sought to rattle their rivals, the plan backfired. The celebration fired up the Indian side, who came out after the break with renewed aggression and intensity.
Wangkheirakpam Restores India’s Lead
The second half saw India assert themselves once again. Early on, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam tested Pakistan goalkeeper Razzak with a curling free-kick, while Rahan Ahmad also came close after linking up with Gangte.
The sustained pressure told in the 63rd minute. Defender Touthang redeemed his earlier error with a clever slide-rule pass that split open the Pakistan defence. Wangkheirakpam timed his run brilliantly and coolly slotted the ball past the advancing Razzak to restore India’s lead at 2-1.
The young midfielder’s composure under pressure highlighted the technical growth of India’s U-17 program, as he celebrated with teammates near the dugout.
To their credit, Pakistan did not fold. In the 70th minute, substitute Muhammad Awais unleashed a speculative long-range strike that goalkeeper Baruah failed to gather cleanly. Hamza Yasir, alert inside the box, pounced on the rebound to fire home the equalizer, making it 2-2.
The goal reignited Pakistani hopes, and for a few minutes, India looked under pressure. But the resilience of the young Blue Colts soon came through.
The defining moment arrived in the 73rd minute. Azlaan Shah’s curling shot forced a diving save from Razzak, but the Pakistan keeper could only parry the ball into a dangerous area. Rahan Ahmad reacted quickest, muscling past his marker before calmly slotting the ball home for India’s third.
The goal capped a fine attacking move and showcased India’s ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations. Ahmad’s winner sparked wild celebrations on the pitch and in the stands, with Indian supporters roaring their approval.
Despite late efforts from Pakistan, India’s defence held firm, ensuring the 3-2 scoreline remained intact until the final whistle.
Talking Point: The Abdullah Celebration
While the footballing quality was high, the match will also be remembered for Muhammad Abdullah’s tea-drinking celebration. Meant to taunt, it instead galvanized India. Post-match discussions across social media suggested that the gesture only served to spur the Indian team to victory.
In sporting terms, India had the final word on the pitch. The Blue Colts not only took all three points but also topped the group, ensuring a smoother path into the knockouts.
With this result, India finished first in Group B and will face Nepal in the semifinals, while Pakistan will take on Bangladesh. Both matches promise to be intriguing, with the potential of yet another India-Pakistan final looming large if both sides progress.
For India, topping the group was vital. It reflected their ability to win under pressure and against their fiercest rivals. Head coach Bibiano Fernandes will, however, be concerned about defensive lapses, particularly the goals conceded due to errors.
Yet, with Gangte, Wangkheirakpam, and Ahmad all finding the net, India’s attacking depth looks formidable heading into the knockouts.
The India-Pakistan rivalry has delivered many unforgettable sporting moments, and this U-17 clash in Colombo was no exception. Five goals, passionate play, and a dash of controversy made it a contest to remember.
Ultimately, India’s ability to respond to adversity, stay composed, and find goals when needed ensured they emerged victorious. The 3-2 triumph not only carried bragging rights over their arch-rivals but also secured top spot in the group.
As India now turn their attention to Nepal in the semifinals, the message is clear: the young Blue Colts are determined to carry their momentum forward and chase another SAFF U-17 crown.
