SAFF U17 Championship – Pakistan vs Nepal Date: Sep 21, 2024 Venue: Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu, Bhutan
In what was expected to be a thrilling encounter, Pakistan faced off against Nepal in the SAFF U17 Championship. With Ubaid Ullah Khan wearing the captain’s armband for Pakistan, the Shaheens were hoping to stamp their mark on the tournament, especially after witnessing India’s impressive win over Bangladesh the previous day. The game kicked off with high expectations, but only one team would come out on top.
First Half:
0’: The match kicks off, and Nepal immediately takes control of possession, knocking the ball around in their own half.
1’: Nepal slowly builds up play, but Pakistan intercepts, breaking up their rhythm.
2’: Nepal has their first opportunity! A long ball finds their number 9 inside the 8-yard box, but he fails to control it.
3’: Pakistan responds with a close chance! A cross from the left causes havoc in Nepal’s box, with the Nepali goalkeeper fumbling the ball. Pakistan is unlucky not to capitalize.
4’: Subhan Karim struggles against Nepal’s resolute defenders in the final third, unable to find space.
5’: Pakistan is in possession, and #14 attempts a cross, but it goes out of play, unable to find a teammate.
6’: Nepal looks dangerous as they advance toward the Pakistan goal, but the defense manages to clear the danger just in time.
9’: Pakistan tries a long-range effort from the center of the pitch, but the shot flies just past the goal post.
10’: Nepal dominates possession with 60%, while Pakistan holds only 40%. The Shaheens need to do more to balance the game.
11’: Pakistan builds up an attack, but Nepal quickly regains possession midway up the field.
12’: Pakistan’s defense looks shaky, clearly feeling the pressure of Nepal’s threatening attack.
13’: Pakistan’s goalkeeper has had his work cut out for him already, pulling off crucial saves and showing no signs of rest.
14’: Pakistan nearly has a breakthrough! Abdul Ghani is brought down inside the box but can’t convert. The opportunity goes begging.
18’: Both teams are battling for chances, but neither has managed to break the deadlock yet. It’s an evenly matched contest.
19’: Pakistan starts to gain some control, with the ball now in Nepal’s half. The momentum briefly shifts towards the green shirts.
23’: Pakistan is making strides in Nepal’s half. It seems the Shaheens are growing into the game, testing the Nepali defense with frequent attacks.
25’: Subhan Karim gets a ball inside Nepal’s penalty area but is once again unlucky, his shot going wide.
26’: Nepal shows resilience, not only fending off Pakistan’s advances but creating their own opportunities on the counter.
28’: Pakistan is now in full attack mode, relentlessly pushing forward in search of the opening goal.
29’: What a save! A powerful long-range shot by Pakistan is brilliantly saved by Nepal’s goalkeeper. Pakistan comes close but is denied.
30’: Pakistan looks confident and composed, trying to shift all the pressure onto Nepal. They know scoring first would be crucial.
32’: Nepal’s Krishna attempts a shot from inside the penalty area, but it’s a poor effort. Pakistan’s goalkeeper easily collects the ball.
37’: Nepal continues to dominate possession. Pakistan’s defense needs to step up as Nepal grows more dangerous with every passing minute.
38’: A crucial tackle by Pakistan’s defender inside their penalty area prevents a clear chance for Nepal.
39’: Free-kick for Pakistan near the halfway line. The ball is played into Nepal’s third, but the defense handles it comfortably.
41’: Abdul Samad tries to break forward for Pakistan but is flagged offside just outside the penalty area.
43’: Subhan Karim is in the thick of the action again! His shot is saved by the goalkeeper, and moments later, another attempt is cleared off the line by a Nepali defender.
45’: Two minutes of added time in the first half. Nepal looks more compact, keeping Pakistan at bay.
45+2’: The first half concludes with both teams struggling to find the back of the net. While Nepal had the upper hand in possession, Pakistan showed flashes of brilliance, especially through Karim.
Half-Time: Pakistan 0-0 Nepal
Second Half:
46’: The second half kicks off, and Pakistan starts strong, immediately creating a corner opportunity, but Nepal deflects it away.
48’: Nepal is cautious, sensing Pakistan’s renewed energy. Pakistan is pressing high, showing intent to dominate the second half.
50’: Pakistan has created a couple of good chances within the first five minutes of the second half but has yet to convert them into a goal.
51’: Nepal strikes back with their first attempt of the half. Pakistan’s goalkeeper dives and makes a comfortable save.
53’: Nepal is turning up the heat, testing Pakistan’s defense with long shots and crosses into the box.
54’: Nepal holds possession, trying to exploit Pakistan’s defensive gaps.
56’: Pakistan wins a free-kick near the left touchline. The cross is whipped in, but the resulting header is wide of the target.
57’: Captain Ubaid Ullah takes another free-kick for Pakistan. It’s a good delivery into the box, but the forwards can’t get on the end of it.
58’: Nepal’s number 9 tries a long-range shot that narrowly misses the goalpost. Pakistan is under pressure.
61’: Nepal is playing on the flanks, attempting to cut into the penalty area. Pakistan must tighten their defense.
65’: Nepal has a golden chance! A shot from inside the 8-yard box rolls agonizingly wide of the right post. Pakistan is lucky to escape unscathed.
67’: Pakistan’s goalkeeper shows nerves of steel, rushing out of his box to make a crucial tackle. A brave moment from the Shaheens’ shot-stopper!
70’: Two substitutions for Pakistan. Fresh legs could be the key to breaking the deadlock.
71’: Pakistan wins a free-kick on the right flank. The resulting corner creates a dangerous situation, but Nepal’s goalkeeper makes a critical save.
77’: Nepal launches an attack from the right flank, but the shot goes over the bar.
78’: Pakistan responds with a quick counter. A couple of players surge into Nepal’s box, but the goalkeeper rescues his team once again.
80’: Pakistan is relentless now, and their pressure pays off! Muhammad Talha, a substitute, rises high and scores with a brilliant header from a corner. Pakistan 1-0 Nepal.
82’: Pakistan almost doubles their lead! Karim finds himself alone in the box but is unable to keep his shot on target.
87’: Karim tries another left-footed shot from the right corner of the box, but his effort is wide. Pakistan remains on the attack.
88’: Nepal earns a corner. The shot is cleared by Pakistan’s goalkeeper, but it’s a close call. The game hangs in the balance.
91’: Pakistan nearly scores again! A shot is deflected just over the bar.
92’: Pakistan makes two more substitutions as they look to close out the match.
90+4’: A yellow card is shown to Pakistan’s #14, Sharaf Khan, as the game enters its final moments.
90+6’: Nepal throws everything forward in a last-ditch attempt to equalize, but Pakistan holds firm.
Full-Time: Pakistan 1-0 Nepal
Final Thoughts: Pakistan showed great resilience and tenacity, especially in the second half. Muhammad Talha’s header was the difference-maker, earning the Shaheens a hard-fought win. Nepal dominated possession, but Pakistan’s defense and goalkeeping stood tall when it mattered most. Despite Nepal’s numerous chances, Pakistan’s tactical discipline and counter-attacking play secured them a well-deserved victory.