Pakistan U-17s off to Bhutan for SAFF event

LAHORE: Pakistan’s U17 football team has left for Bhutan to participate in the SAFF U-17 Championship, which will be held in Thimphu from September 20 to 30.

The team faced a tense moment just before departure, receiving their No Objection Certificate (NOC) only an hour before their flight. The team flew from Islamabad via Dubai and is set to open their campaign against Nepal on September 21, followed by matches against Bhutan on September 23 and Sri Lanka on September 25.

Pakistan, the champions of the 2011 edition, are fielding a well-balanced squad, featuring key defenders like Abdul Rehman, Mohammad Husnain Saleem, and Najeem Khan. Midfielders Abdul Samad, Haroon Rashid, and Shahab Ahmed will support the team’s efforts, while forwards Abdul Ghani, Sharaf Khan and Mohammad Talha Khan will lead the attack. Goalkeepers Adil Ali Khan, Kashif, and Ghulam Abbas round out the team.

The SAFF U-17 Championship is a crucial tournament for South Asian teams, providing a platform for emerging football talent. However, Pakistan’s participation faced hurdles as the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) awaited the necessary NOC from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).