India and Pakistan Record Victories in SAFF U-17 Boys’ Preliminary Round

Defending champion India vs Maldives - Match action

• Two Group ‘B’ matches were worked off yesterday, where India thrashed defending runners-up Maldives by 6–0, while Pakistan recorded a commanding 4–0 victory over Bhutan

By Susil Premalal

Defending champion India and Pakistan secured convincing victories yesterday in the preliminary round of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under 17 Boys Tournament 2025. 

The tournament, featuring the seven South Asian nations, is currently being held at the Racecourse Grounds in Colombo and will continue until September 27.

Two Group ‘B’ matches were worked off yesterday, where India thrashed defending runners-up Maldives by 6–0, while Pakistan recorded a commanding 4–0 victory over Bhutan.

India had no challenge in their game against Maldives, leading 2–0 at halftime and adding four more goals in the second half to seal a dominant win. For India, D. Gangte scored twice, while M. Manayathi, K. Doungei, Gongel Wangkheirakpam, and A. Najar netted one goal each.

In the night fixture, Pakistan dominated Bhutan from the start, leading 2–0 at halftime and adding two more goals in the second half to complete a comfortable win.

Today (September 17) will be the first rest day of the tournament before matches resume tomorrow.