The India U-17 men's national team secured a 3-2 victory over Pakistan at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, topping Group B in the SAFF U-17 Championship 2025. The match, was ultimately settled by a late goal from substitute Rahan Ahmed, completing a perfect group stage position for India, who had previously defeated Maldives 6-0 and Bhutan 1-0.
The match also drew attention for a celebration by Pakistan's Muhammad Abdullah. After scoring the equalizing penalty, he acted the sipping tea celebration, a gesture that was widely interpreted by a section of the media and X (erstwhile twitter) as provocative. This came just after Pakistan cricketer Haris Rauf's controversial "6-0" gesture in the recent Asia Cup clash.
The ongoing tension between the two nations have warred off almost all acts in life. The intention of a 17 year old, has only been speculated and not conversed or spoken about with the individual. Sipping tea is a popular celebration in all of world football, majorly European football. So to speculate in a fashion that adds more fuel to the ongoing fire is questionable, especially when the player involved hasn't been asked about his intentions.
India started the match, looking to exploit gaps, with the effort paying off in the 31st minute when Danny Singh Wangkhem delivered a pinpoint pass to Dallalmuon Gangte, who scored to give India the lead. However, a defensive lapse led to a penalty for Pakistan in the 43rd minute, which Muhammad Abdullah converted to level the score at 1-1 before halftime.
The second half began with India regaining the lead in the 63rd minute with a goal from Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam. But, with Pakistan equallizing seven minutes later. A long-range effort from Muhammad Awais was spilled by India's goalkeeper, and Hamza Yasir was quick to pounce on the rebound to make it 2-2.
Despite having let the lead slip twice, India responded in the 73rd minute, with a shot from Azlaan Shah being parried by Pakistan's goalkeeper, and Rahan Ahmed reacting quickly to slot it home. The win secures their place in the semifinals, where they will face Bangladesh on September 25.