Lahore, July 31, 2025: The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) on Thursday unveiled the official schedule for the SAFF U17 Championship 2025, with Pakistan set to face traditional rivals India in a high-stakes group stage clash in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The tournament will take place from September 15 to 27 at the Racecourse International Stadium, bringing together emerging football talent from across the region.
Pakistan’s U17 team has been drawn into Group B, considered this year’s “Group of Death”, alongside defending champions India, the Maldives, and Bhutan. Group A comprises Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
The Green Shirts will begin their campaign against Bhutan on September 16, aiming for a strong start. They will then take on the Maldives on September 19, before a much-anticipated encounter with India on September 22, a fixture that promises to capture regional attention given the fierce sporting rivalry between the two nations.
Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on September 25, making every group-stage fixture crucial. The final will be played on September 27, concluding nearly two weeks of intense youth competition.
In the previous edition of the tournament held in Bhutan in 2024, Pakistan reached the semi-finals after a commanding 5-1 win over Sri Lanka in their final group match. However, their journey ended in heartbreak after a dramatic penalty shootout loss (8-7) to Bangladesh in the semi-final.
That semi-final remained locked at 7-7 after the first five penalties, with the decisive moment coming when Bangladesh’s goalkeeper saved Pakistan’s eighth attempt and sealed the match with a successful conversion.
During the 2024 group stage, Pakistan had played a thrilling 3-3 draw with Bhutan and secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Nepal, showcasing resilience and potential.
This year, with a more challenging draw and the prospect of facing India early, Pakistan’s young footballers face a significant test. The SAFF U17 Championship continues to serve as a critical platform for nurturing South Asia’s next generation of football stars.
Group composition – SAFF U17 Championship 2025:
- Group A: Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
- Group B: India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bhutan
