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THIMPHU: Subhan Kareem’s brace helped Pakistan to a crushing 5-1 victory over Sri Lanka in their final group-stage fixture and qualify for the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) U17 Championship semi-final.
The Green Shirts, who had four points in two matches, needed at least a draw in their last group match against Sri Lanka, who were at the bottom of the standings.
Pakistan U17 team, however, had their sights set on the victory as they took the lead just 20 minutes into the game, courtesy of in-form Subhan Kareem.
Mohammad Talha doubled their advantage just 10 minutes later while Subhan struck again at the 36-minute mark, lifting Pakistan to a 3-0 advantage over Sri Lanka.
Pakistan’s three-goal lead persisted till the half-time.
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The first-half thrashing took a toll on Sri Lanka’s defence so much that they scored an Own Goal to further increase Pakistan’s command on the game.
Abdul Ghani then added further to the misery of Sri Lanka by finding the back of the net in the 56th minute, extending the Green Shirts’ lead to 5-0.
Sri Lanka, who were struggling for the majority of the game, had a moment to cherish when they scored their lone goal in the 76th minute.
Pakistan’s opponent for the SAFF U17 Championship semi-final will be announced in due course.
Pakistan Squad for SAFF U17 Championship
Defenders: Abdul Rehman, M. Husnain Saleem, Najeem Khan, Sameer Ahmed, Ubaid Ullah Khan, Majid Ali, Syed Muhammad Aabis Raza and Umar Javed.
Midfielders: Abdul Samad, Muhammad Faraz, Farhad, Haroon Rashed, Hikmat Ullah, Khobaib Khan, M. Shahab Ahmed and Muhammad Khan.
Forwards: Abdul Ghani, Subhan Karim, Shahraf Khan and Muhammad Talha Khan. Goal Keepers: Aadil Ali Khan, Ghulam Abbas and Kashif.
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