Pakistan’s U-17 football team picked up their second win in a row at the SAFF U-17 Championship. They beat the Maldives 5-2 in a group-stage match at the Racecourse Ground in Colombo on Friday.
The young Greens showed great skill and teamwork. They controlled the game from the start. Mansoor Ahmad led the charge with a stunning hat-trick in the first half. His goals set the tone early. With this win, Pakistan now has six points from two games. They sit at the top of their group. Next up is a tough match against India on Monday.
The game kicked off with Pakistan on the front foot. Mansoor Ahmad opened the scoring in the 12th minute. He stayed calm under pressure and slotted the ball home. That made it 1-0. Pakistan kept pushing. Ahmad struck again in the 32nd minute to double the lead. His sharp finish caught the Maldives’ defence off guard.
Maldives pulled one back in the 42nd minute through Ali Ilaan. But Pakistan bounced back fast. In stoppage time of the first half, Muhammad Abdullah scored from a penalty. That made it 3-1 at the break. Ahmad wasn’t done yet. He completed his hat-trick from the spot in the 45th minute. What a way to end the half! Pakistan led 4-1.
Full-Time in Colombo! Pakistan defeat Maldives 5–2 at the SAFF U17 Championship 🇵🇰⚽ pic.twitter.com/9Zodkx4urn
— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) September 19, 2025Second Half: Pakistan Holds Firm for the Win
After the break, the Maldives tried to fight back. But Pakistan stayed solid. Muhammad Abdullah added his second goal in the 61st minute. He finished a smooth team move with style.
Mohamed Shayan Shifau got one for the Maldives in the 71st minute. That cut the gap to 5-2. But Pakistan managed the game well. They saw out the final minutes without trouble. Mansoor Ahmad’s three goals stole the show. His quick thinking and finishing proved key. Muhammad Abdullah’s brace also made a big difference.
This 5-2 win follows Pakistan’s opening victory over Bhutan. It puts them in a strong spot in the group. Six points mean they control their fate. The upcoming game against India will be key. It’s always a fierce rivalry. A good result there could seal a semifinal spot.
| Player | Goals | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Mansoor Ahmad | 3 | Hat-trick (12′, 32′, 45′ pen) |
| Muhammad Abdullah | 2 | Penalty & team move (45+1′, 61′) |
| Ali Ilaan | 1 | Maldives response (42′) |
| Mohamed Shayan Shifau | 1 | Late consolation (71′) |
| Final Score | 5-2 | Pakistan wins group clash |
