KATHMANDU: Pakistan came from behind to hold Maldives for a 1-1 stalemate to qualify for the semi-finals of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U19 Championship 2023.
The Green Shirts started their second SAFF U19 Championship 2023 fixture on a high as they dominated the possession for a notable period but failed to convert into a goal.
Pakistan’s error in conversion allowed the Maldives to capitalize on the situation and they successfully netted the opener in the 39th minute, courtesy of a brilliant outside-of-the-box finish.
Maldives went into the break with a 1-0 lead over Pakistan.
Down at the break but all to play for in the second half!#WeArePakistanFootball #DilSayFootball #Shaheens pic.twitter.com/H2iC3Zenv0
— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) September 23, 2023
In the second half, Pakistan made numerous efforts but were denied the equalizer by the strong Maldives defence.
Pakistan, however, finally got luck in their favour when Shah Jahan netted the equalizer late into the game before pulling off an animated celebration.
Full time and the boys came back from behind in the second half to draw the match and secure their place in the semi final! Massive effort by the #YoungShaheens#WeArePakistanFootball #DilSayFootball#Shaheens pic.twitter.com/KbI02crMHz
— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) September 23, 2023
Earlier this week, Pakistan scripted a triumphant start to their SAFF U19 Championship 2023 campaign with a thrilling 1-0 victory over hosts Nepal.
Pakistan and Nepal went hard at each other in their SAFF U19 Championship fixture and showcased thrilling skills and tenacity before the former prevailed.
With a thrilling victory over Nepal, Pakistan ended a 12-year-long victory drought in an international match.
Pakistan’s U19 team last secured a victory on the international stage in 2011, when they defeated India’s U19 team.
Midfielder Ali Zafar netted the lone goal in the 74th minute, which turned out to be the difference maker between the two sides, who appeared inseparable in the first half.
Besides Ali Zafar, Pakistan’s goalkeeper Sahil Gul played a pivotal role in his team’s triumph over Nepal, denying several threatening efforts from the home side.
The ongoing SAFF U19 Championship 2023 is being held at the Dashrath Stadium here from September 21 to 30.
For the unversed, this is the fifth edition of the SAFF U19 Championship, a highly competitive international football tournament for men’s under-19 national sides, organised by the SAFF.
India are the defending champions, having won their second title in 2022 by defeating Bangladesh in the final.
Pakistan Squad for SAFF U19 Championship 2023
Goalkeepers: Sahil Gul, Mohsin Khan and Muhammad Abdullah
Defenders: Muhammad Sadam, Muhammad Adeel, Asad Nasir, Ans Amin, Khurshid Alam, Muhammad Raheel, Shayan Ali, Kamil Ahmad Khan, Abid Ali, Hannan Naveed and Najeeb Ullah
Midfielders: Ali Zafar, Muhammad Azan and Awais Khan
Forwards: Shahjahan, Muhammad Hassan, Faisal Ahmad, Abdul Wahab, Muhammad Haroon Zafar and Muhammad Adeel Younas
Team Officials: Shadab Ifthikhar (Head Coach), Mohsan Ul Hussnain (Assistant Coach), Khurram Shahzad (Goal Keeper Coach), Aamna (Media), Muhammad Abdullah and Muhammad Samama (Physio) and Zohair Gondal (Team Manager).
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