2024 SAFF U-17 Championship Overview
The upcoming 2024 SAFF U-17 Championship marks the ninth edition of this prestigious international football tournament, which is organized by the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) for men’s under-17 national teams. The championship is set to unfold from September 20 to September 30, 2024, in the picturesque city of Thimphu, Bhutan. All matches will be held at the Changlimithang Stadium, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Participating Teams
This year’s tournament features seven teams, divided into two competitive groups:
Group A: India, Maldives, Bangladesh
Group B: Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Team Pakistan’s Journey
Pakistan’s U17 football team has embarked on its journey to Bhutan to compete in the SAFF U-17 Championship. The squad took off from Islamabad, making a stopover in Dubai before heading to Thimphu. Remarkably, the team received their No Objection Certificate (NOC) just one hour prior to their departure, allowing them to proceed with their travel plans.
The Green Shirts, who were crowned champions in the 2011 edition, are looking to make a strong debut, beginning with their opening match against Nepal on September 21. Subsequent matches will see them go head-to-head with the host nation Bhutan on September 23, followed by a clash against Sri Lanka on September 25.
Key Squad Highlights
Pakistan’s squad is bolstered by a formidable lineup. Defensively, they are supported by the talents of Abdul Rehman, Mohammad Husnain Saleem, and Najeem Khan. Additional strength comes from the presence of Samir Ahmed, Ubaidullah Khan, Majid Ali, Syed Mohammad Abis Raza, and Umar Javed.
In midfield, the team will showcase the skills of Abdul Samad, Mohammad Faraz, Farhad, Haroon Rashid, Hikmatullah, Khubaib Khan, Shahab Ahmed, and Mohammad Khan. Upfront, the attacking responsibilities rest on the shoulders of forwards Abdul Ghani, Subhan Karim, Sharaf Khan, and Mohammad Talha Khan. The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Adil Ali Khan, Kashif, and Ghulam Abbas, rounding out a well-rounded squad.
Match Schedule
The excitement of the tournament is reflected in the match schedule, which promises thrilling encounters and intense competition as teams vie for supremacy in South Asian youth football.
| Date | Time | Match | Result | Group | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 September 2024 | 18:00 | Bangladesh V India | 0 - 1 | A | Changlimithang Stadium, Thimpu |
| 22 September 2024 | 18:00 | Bangladesh V Maldives | 1 - 1 | A | Changlimithang Stadium, Thimpu |
| 24 September 2024 | 18:00 | India V Maldives | 3 - 0 | A | Changlimithang Stadium, Thimpu |
| 21 September 2024 | 14:00 | Pakistan V Nepal | 1 - 0 | B | Changlimithang Stadium, Thimpu |
| 21 September 2024 | 18:00 | Bhutan V Sri lanka | 5 - 1 | B | Changlimithang Stadium, Thimpu |
| 23 September 2024 | Nepal V Sri lanka | 4 - 0 | B | Changlimithang Stadium, Thimpu | |
| 23 September 2024 | Pakistan V Bhutan | 3 - 3 | B | Changlimithang Stadium, Thimpu | |
| 25 September 2024 | 14:00 | Pakistan V Sri lanka | 5 - 1 | B | Changlimithang Stadium, Thimpu |
| 25 September 2024 | 18:00 | Bhutan V Nepal | 1 - 2 | B | Changlimithang Stadium, Thimpu |
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