Colombo, Sep 22 (NationPress) In a thrilling match filled with excitement and fast-paced football, the India U-17 men’s national team triumphed over their fierce rivals Pakistan with a score of 3-2 at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo on Monday, positioning themselves at the top of Group B in the SAFF U-17 Championship 2025. The teams were level at 1-1 at half-time.

The decisive moment came from substitute Rahan Ahmed, who scored the winner in the 73rd minute, capping off an exhilarating five-goal showdown. India’s goals were netted by Dallalmuon Gangte (31’) and Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam (63’), while Pakistan's attempts came from Muhammad Abdullah’s penalty in the 43rd minute and Hamza Yasir’s follow-up strike in the 70th.

The match began with both teams evenly matched, but India displayed greater composure, aiming to take advantage of openings behind the Pakistani defense with intelligent movement and precise passing. Their first real chance arose when Gangte set up Kamgouhao Doungel, whose shot was comfortably saved by Saamar Razzak of Pakistan. India maintained a high-pressure game, forcing mistakes in the Pakistan defense. Razzak nearly fell victim to a defensive error, but managed to recover just in time to avert danger.

Pakistan increased their physical play in response, trying to disrupt India's creative flow. A set-piece allowed them a shot on goal, but India’s goalkeeper Manashjyoti Baruah was quick to block Hamza Yasir's attempt during a chaotic goalmouth scramble.

The breakthrough for India came in the 31st minute thanks to individual brilliance. Danny Singh Wangkhem dazzled on the wing, maneuvering past a defender before sending a perfect pass to Gangte, who fired home, granting India a well-deserved lead. However, a defensive error allowed Pakistan to equalize. In the 43rd minute, Yasir’s run into the box was halted by Thonggoumang Touthang, prompting the referee to award a penalty, which Abdullah converted, sending the teams into halftime tied at 1-1.

India returned for the second half with renewed vigor. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam tested the goalkeeper with a dangerous free-kick, and Ahmed also came close, but Razzak was up to the task again.

The pressure from India bore fruit in the 63rd minute when Touthang sent a precise pass through the Pakistani defense, allowing Wangkheirakpam to score and regain the lead.

The match remained intense. Just seven minutes later, a long-range effort from substitute Muhammad Awais slipped through Baruah’s hands, and Yasir was quick to capitalize on the rebound, leveling the score at 2-2.

But India was not finished yet. In the 73rd minute, a curling shot from Azlaan Shah was parried by Razzak, and Ahmed reacted swiftly to shake off his defender and slot home the winning goal. India expertly managed the closing moments of the game to secure a hard-earned victory.