The semi-finalists for the SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 have been confirmed after the conclusion of the group stage matches.
The Pakistan U-17 team secured their spot in the semi-finals by defeating Sri Lanka U-17 with a score of 5-1, finishing on top of Group B. They will face Bangladesh U-17, who qualified as the runners-up of Group A.
Nepal U-17 has qualified for the semis as well after defeating Bhutan U-17 in a do-or-die match by 2-1 in the final group stage game. They have proceeded in the semis as Group B runners-up and are set to challenge Group A winners India U-17 in the semi-final.
Both semi-finals are scheduled to take place at the Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan on September 28, 2024.
Scenario of Group A in the Group Stage
Group A included three teams: India U-17, Bangladesh U-17, and Maldives U-17.
India U-17 and Bangladesh U-17 faced each other in the inaugural game of the SAFF U-17 Championship 2024 on 20th September 2024. Indian youngsters defeated Bangladesh by 1-0 and earned their first three points in the tournament. Bangladesh U-17 managed a 1-1 draw against Maldives U-17 in the second group game and India U-17 thrashed Maldives U-17 by 3-0 in the last group match.
India U-17 qualified as Group A winners whereas Bangladesh U-17 earned their second-place qualification based on goal difference.
Final Standings of Group A
Teams | M | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
(Q) India U-17 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 6 |
(Q) Bangladesh U-17 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
Maldives U-17 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
Group B positions in the Group Stage
Group B consisted of four teams: Pakistan U-17, Nepal U-17, Sri Lanka U-17, and the hosts of the tournament, Bhutan U-17.
Pakistan U-17 defeated Nepal U-17 by 1-0 in the opening match of Group B and Bhutan U-17 completely outplayed Sri Lanka U-17 by 5-1. In the second round, Nepal U-17 eased past Sri Lanka U-17 by 4-0 whereas Bhutan U-17 made a heroic comeback to steal a draw against Pakistan by 3-3 after scoring 2 goals in the last ten minutes of the game.
Pakistan U-17 has bounced back stronger after beating Sri Lanka U-17 by 5-1 yesterday to confirm themselves as the group winners. In the last match of the overall group stage Nepal U-17 pulled off another comeback to win by 2-1 yesterday as well after the hosts Bhutan U-17 led at half-time by 1-0. Nepal U-17 earned their qualification to semis as the runners-up of Group B.
Final Standings of Group B
Teams | M | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Points |
(Q) Pakistan U-17 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 5 | 7 |
(Q) Nepal U-17 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 6 |
Bhutan U-17 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
Sri Lanka U-17 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 14 | -12 | 0 |
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Semi-finals
Both semi-finals are scheduled to take place at the Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan on September 28, 2024.
Semi-final 1 | India U-17 (Group A winners) vs Nepal U-17 (Group B Runners-up)
Semi-final 2 | Pakistan U-17 (Group B winners) vs Bangladesh U-17 (Group A Runners-up)
The winners of the semi-finals will face off for the ultimate showdown in the Final on 30th September 2024 at the Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan.
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