Back-to-back wins over Pakistan: India’s U-17 footballers follow cricketers’ lead in heated SAFF showdown featuring mocking celebration

India continued their dominance against arch-rivals Pakistan across sports, as the country’s U-17 football team secured a thrilling 3-2 win in a high-voltage SAFF Championship match against the neighbouring nation. The game, though not crucial in terms of qualification since both teams had already made it to the semifinals, was filled with drama. 

India scored the first goal in the 31st minute. Danny Singh Wangkhem showed brilliant footwork on the wing, beating his marker and delivering a perfect pass to Dallalmuon Gangte, who calmly slotted the ball into the net to give India the lead.

However, just before the half-time, Pakistan looked for a comeback as a clumsy challenge by Thonggoumang Touthang inside the box gave Pakistan a penalty, which Muhammad Abdullah converted with confidence. Soon after that, Abdullah ran to the corner, sat down, and with his teammates, mimicked sipping tea in a celebration that many saw as mocking. That moment fired up the Indian side.

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After the break, India came out with renewed energy. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam and Rahan Ahmed both came close to scoring, but were denied by Pakistan goalkeeper Razzak. Eventually, in the 63rd minute, Wangkheirakpam broke through the defence after receiving a well-timed pass from Touthang and made no mistake in restoring India’s lead.

But Pakistan refused to back down. Seven minutes later, Indian goalkeeper Baruah fumbled a long-range shot, and Hamza Yasir was quick to pounce on the rebound to make it 2-2.

India responded almost immediately. In the 73rd minute, Azlaan Shah’s curling shot was saved but not held by the keeper, and Rahan Ahmed was quickest to react. He shook off his marker and calmly placed the ball into the net to seal the win for India.

From that point on, India played smart football, managing the clock and keeping Pakistan at bay to secure a well-deserved win.

Interestingly, Abdullah’s tea-drinking celebration came just a day after similar provocative gestures by Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan during their Asia Cup Super 4s clash against India at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai where India defeated the Men in Green bu six wickets.