Match: Pakistan U-17 vs. Bangladesh U-17
Venue: Thimphu, Bhutan
Date: September 28, 2024
Final Score: Pakistan 2 (7) – 2 (8) Bangladesh (Bangladesh won on penalties)
In a highly anticipated clash at the SAFF U-17 Championship 2024, Pakistan and Bangladesh squared off in the semi-finals, with both teams aiming to secure a spot in the final against India. Pakistan, known for their grit, lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Bangladesh, with momentum on their side after an impressive tournament run, opted for a traditional 4-4-2. This match was a tale of missed chances, heroic moments, and ultimately heartbreak for Pakistan, who succumbed to defeat in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw in regular time.
Pakistan Starting XI:
Kashif (GK), Ubaid Ullah Khan (C), Husnain Saleem, Shahab Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Khobaib Khan, Subhan Karim, Muhammad Talha, Sharaf Khan, Abdul Rehman, Majid Ali
Subs: Aadil Ali (GK), Umar Javed, Abbas Raza Kazmi, Ghani, Haroon Rashid, Farhad, Faraz, Sameer, Hikmat Ullah, Ghulam Abbas, Najeem Khan, Muhammad Khan
0’ – Kickoff:
Pakistan’s Muhammad Talha, wearing jersey number 12, started the match, sending an early signal of intent as both teams set out to dominate. The semi-final was officially underway.
1’ – Early Pressure by Pakistan:
Sharaf Khan attempted to whip in a cross from the right wing, forcing Bangladesh into conceding an early corner. The pressure was on as Pakistan looked to gain the upper hand in the opening exchanges.
2’ – Subhan Karim’s Free Kick:
Subhan Karim, Pakistan’s star winger with three goals already in the tournament, delivered a free kick from the left flank, but it was easily deflected by the Bangladesh defense. Karim was one to watch, having become the second-highest goal scorer in the competition.
3’ – Ubaid Ullah Khan’s Half-Chance:
Pakistan’s center-back and captain, Ubaid Ullah Khan, tried his luck from distance, but his shot lacked power and failed to trouble the Bangladesh goalkeeper.
4’ – Kashif’s Safe Hands:
Bangladesh pushed forward with intent, but Pakistan’s goalkeeper Kashif confidently collected the ball, showing his composure early on. He was quick to deal with a potential threat as a Bangladesh forward closed in.
5’ – Bangladesh Close Call:
A dangerous Bangladesh throw-in from near the corner resulted in a headed attempt, which flew over the crossbar. Pakistan dodged an early scare as Bangladesh began to find their rhythm.
6’ – Bangladesh Attack Falters:
A neat pass from Bangladesh into the penalty area left the Pakistani defense scrambling, but no Bangladesh player was in position to capitalize. The danger passed, but Bangladesh were beginning to assert dominance.
7’ – Bangladesh Dominance:
Bangladesh’s relentless attacks continued, with another cross met by a volleyed header, but once again, it failed to hit the target. Pakistan needed to settle as the pressure mounted.
8’ – Talha’s Role on the Left:
Talha, playing on the left wing, was noted for his two goals in the tournament. However, he was kept relatively quiet in the opening exchanges as Bangladesh held the upper hand.
9’-10’ – Bangladesh Dictating Play:
Bangladesh continued to dominate possession, keeping Pakistan pinned in their own half. Pakistan managed a half-chance with a cross into the box, but the accuracy was lacking.
12’ – Kashif to the Rescue:
Shofiq of Bangladesh unleashed a long-range shot, forcing Kashif to tip it over the bar with a smart save. Bangladesh’s attacking prowess was beginning to stretch the Pakistan defense.
15’ – Pakistan’s Defense Under Pressure:
Kashif, once again, had to step up as Bangladesh rained down attempts on Pakistan’s goal. The defense was struggling, and Pakistan’s goalkeeper appeared frustrated with his team’s inability to clear the danger effectively.
16’-17’ – Pakistan Struggles with Passing:
Subhan Karim’s attempted cut-in from the left was intercepted, and Pakistan’s passing game was visibly off, with misplaced passes breaking down any attempt at cohesion.
18’ – Bangladesh Hit the Post:
A powerful shot from the right flank by Bangladesh’s winger rattled the far post, leaving Pakistan fortunate not to be trailing. It was a let-off as Bangladesh nearly took the lead.
20’ – Bangladesh in Control:
Twenty minutes in, Bangladesh were clearly the superior team, dominating possession and looking far more threatening. Pakistan’s 4-2-3-1 formation was struggling to cope with Bangladesh’s fluid movement.
24’ – Pakistan’s First Real Chance:
Pakistan won a corner, and Talha rose to meet it with a header that narrowly missed the far post. A promising moment for Pakistan, but the game remained goalless.
25’ – Kashif’s Bold Save:
Kashif bravely advanced off his line to stop an oncoming Bangladesh attacker, showing tremendous courage to keep the score level.
27’ – Bangladesh Miss a Sitter:
Bangladesh squandered a golden opportunity, sending a header over the bar with Kashif stranded off his line. The Pakistani defense was living dangerously.
29’ – Samad’s Cross Leads to a Corner:
Abdul Samad’s cross from the right wing resulted in a Pakistan corner. It was a chance to break Bangladesh’s dominance.
30’ – GOAL! Pakistan 1-0 Bangladesh:
Subhan Karim delivered a perfect cross from the corner, and Shahab Ahmed rose highest to head the ball into the net. Pakistan had the lead against the run of play. Bangladesh looked stunned as Pakistan celebrated.
33’ – Bangladesh Long-Range Effort:
Bangladesh tried to respond quickly with a free kick from 20 yards out, but the shot sailed high and wide, much to Pakistan’s relief.
38’ – Bangladesh Push for an Equalizer:
Bangladesh shifted to a more attacking 4-4-2 formation as they desperately sought to level the score before half-time.
39’ – Talha’s Dangerous Run:
Talha’s surging run into the box nearly paid off, but Bangladesh’s defense managed to clear the ball at the last second. Pakistan were growing into the game.
45’ – Two Minutes Added Time:
The first half ended with Pakistan leading 1-0. Bangladesh had dominated much of the half, but Pakistan’s clinical finishing from Shahab Ahmed gave them the advantage.
Second Half Begins:
47’ – Subhan Karim’s MVP Performance:
Subhan Karim, the standout player of the tournament, was involved again, creating chances and driving Pakistan forward. A goal today would see him level with Nepal’s top scorer in the competition.
48’ – Bangladesh Almost Equalize:
Bangladesh came close to leveling the score with a shot from the edge of the box, but it rolled just wide of Kashif’s near post.
54’ – Pakistan on the Attack:
After a slow start to the second half, Pakistan launched a rare attack with a cross into the box, but the ball went wide.
58’ – Kashif Saves Again:
Kashif remained a rock at the back for Pakistan, diving to push the ball out for a throw-in as Bangladesh continued to pile on the pressure.
60’ – PENALTY for Pakistan!
Talha’s shot was blocked by a Bangladesh defender’s hand inside the box, and the referee immediately pointed to the spot. Abdul Rehman stepped up to take the crucial penalty.
61’ – GOAL! Pakistan 2-0 Bangladesh:
Abdul Rehman calmly slotted the penalty past the Bangladesh goalkeeper, sending him the wrong way. Pakistan doubled their lead and looked to be cruising towards the final.
63’ – Samad’s Spectacular Miss:
Abdul Samad almost scored a sensational goal with a curling effort from the edge of the box, but the ball drifted just wide. It would have been a goal to remember.
74’ – GOAL! Bangladesh 2-1 Pakistan:
Bangladesh pulled one back with a well-worked cross and a close-range finish that Kashif couldn’t keep out. The goal breathed new life into the match as Bangladesh sensed a comeback.
83’ – Substitutions for Pakistan:
Muhammad Talha was replaced by Abdul Ghani as Pakistan tried to see out the game. Fresh legs were brought on to maintain defensive solidity.
90’ – Seven Minutes of Injury Time:
With the clock ticking down, Pakistan were hanging on to their slender lead as Bangladesh pushed desperately for an equalizer.
93’ – GOAL! Bangladesh 2-2 Pakistan:
The pressure finally told as Bangladesh equalized with a well-placed shot from close range. Pakistan’s defense failed to clear the ball, and Bangladesh capitalized to send the match into extra time.
Penalty Shootout:
Both teams battled it out from the spot, but Bangladesh eventually triumphed 8-7 in a dramatic shootout, sealing their place in the final.
Final Thoughts:
Pakistan paid the price for a defensive approach in the latter stages of the game. After taking a two-goal lead, they allowed Bangladesh to control possession and failed to create chances. Bangladesh’s persistence paid off with an equalizer in stoppage time, and they kept their nerve in the penalty shootout to book their place in the final. For Pakistan, it was a valiant effort, but their lack of composure in key moments ultimately cost them a spot in the final.