Islamabad, September 28, 2024 – In a thrilling encounter at the SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 in Bhutan, Bangladesh edged out Pakistan with a dramatic 8-7 victory in a penalty shootout to secure their spot in the final.
The heart-stopping match saw Bangladesh overturn a two-goal deficit and eventually triumph in a nerve-wracking conclusion.
The game began with both sides displaying attacking intent. Pakistan and Bangladesh each crafted early opportunities, but neither side could break the deadlock in the initial stages, according to a press release.
Pakistan took control of the match in the 32nd minute when Muhammad Shahab Ahmed netted a beautifully struck goal, putting his team ahead 1-0. The goal gave Pakistan momentum, and they continued to press forward. In the 62nd minute, their efforts were rewarded once again as Abdul Rehman coolly converted a penalty, doubling Pakistan’s lead to 2-0.
Despite the two-goal deficit, Bangladesh refused to back down. Their relentless pressure paid off in the 74th minute when MD Manik capitalized on an opportunity to pull one back for his team, narrowing Pakistan’s lead to 2-1.
With time running out, Bangladesh continued to push for an equalizer. Their resilience was rewarded in dramatic fashion when MD Manik struck again, finding the back of the net in the 94th minute during extra time, leveling the score at 2-2 and forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
The shootout proved to be just as tense as the match itself. Both teams exhibited remarkable poise under pressure, with the score tied at 7-7 after the first five rounds of penalties. As the shootout progressed, Pakistan faltered, missing their eighth penalty, while Bangladesh kept their nerve. Bangladesh’s final penalty-taker successfully converted the decisive shot, sealing an 8-7 victory and sending Bangladesh to the final.
The win marks a significant achievement for Bangladesh, as they now advance to face arch-rivals India in the final on September 30. The match promises to be another thrilling chapter in the SAFF U-17 Championship.
For Pakistan, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow after holding a comfortable lead for much of the game. However, the team’s performance throughout the tournament showcased their potential and provided valuable experience for the young squad.
