In an exciting match against Maldives in Nepal, Pakistan’s Under-19 football team secured their spot in the semi-finals of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-19 Football Championship with a 1-1 draw. Pakistan had a strong start but had trouble scoring goals in the first half of the game.
Maldives took advantage of Pakistan’s mistakes and scored a goal in the 39th minute with a fantastic shot. However, Pakistan didn’t give up, and late in the game, Shah Jahan scored a goal, celebrating by taking off his shirt. This victory, combined with their earlier win against Nepal, put Pakistan at the top of group B with four points in two games, guaranteeing their place in the semi-finals, which will take place on September 27.
It’s worth mentioning that Pakistan’s Under-19 team ended a 12-year streak without winning an international match, with their last victory dating back to 2011 when they defeated India’s Under-19 team.
The tournament is happening at the famous Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu, and it’s the fifth edition of this international football competition for national teams of players under 19, organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF). The tournament runs from September 21 to September 30, and India is the defending champion, having won the title in 2022 by defeating Bangladesh in the final.
