THIMPU (Bhutan): Mohammad Talha came off the bench and headed in a late winner as Pakistan opened their campaign at the SAFF Under-17 Championship with a 1-0 victory over Nepal at the Changlimithang Stadium on Saturday.

Talha found the perfect connection from a corner that gave the Nepalese goalkeeper no chance in the 81st minute as Pakistan edged the Group ‘B’ fixture and joined hosts Bhutan at the top of the standings.

Bhutan thrashed Sri Lanka 5-1 in the other group game and next face Pakistan on Monday.

The top two teams in each of the two groups advance to the semi-finals.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2024