Pakistan Announces Squad for SAFF U17 Men’s Championship 2024: A Look at the Green Shirts’ Journey Ahead
In a major development for Pakistani football, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalization Committee has unveiled the 23-member squad for the upcoming SAFF U17 Men’s Championship 2024. Scheduled to take place in Bhutan from September 20 to 30, the event offers an exciting opportunity for the youth team to showcase their talent on a regional stage.
The squad, led by head coach Sajjad Mehmood, will begin its campaign on September 21, facing off against Nepal at the iconic Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu. This opening clash will be followed by an encounter with the host nation, Bhutan, on September 23 and a final group-stage match against Sri Lanka on September 25.
Group B Battles Ahead
Pakistan has been drawn into Group B, alongside Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, presenting a mix of competition from neighboring nations. This group offers a balanced set of opponents, with Nepal posing the strongest challenge based on recent form, while Bhutan will look to capitalize on home advantage.
Meanwhile, Group A consists of India, Maldives, and Bangladesh—three teams with solid reputations in youth football. While Pakistan will not face them in the group stage, the potential for an exciting crossover in the knockout rounds remains high.
A Glance at the Squad
Head Coach Sajjad Mehmood will have Hassan Baloch as his assistant, while Nouman Ibrahim will serve as the goalkeeping coach. The team composition strikes a balance between defense, midfield, and attack, giving Pakistan a versatile edge.
Defenders:
- Abdul Rehman, M. Husnain Saleem, Najeem Khan, Sameer Ahmed, Ubaid Ullah Khan, Majid Ali, Syed Muhammad Aabis Raza, and Umar Javed make up a strong defensive unit. With a combination of physicality and tactical awareness, the defense will be key in holding off opponents like Nepal and Sri Lanka, known for their attacking play.
Midfielders:
- The midfield lineup includes Abdul Samad, Muhammad Faraz, Farhad, Haroon Rashed, Hikmat Ullah, Khobaib Khan, M. Shahab Ahmed, and Muhammad Khan. The midfield is packed with technical talent and energy, tasked with controlling possession and dictating the tempo of games, especially in high-stakes fixtures.
Forwards:
- Abdul Ghani, Subhan Karim, Shahraf Khan, and Muhammad Talha Khan will lead the attack. With speed, agility, and goal-scoring instincts, these players have the responsibility of converting chances into goals—a crucial factor in determining Pakistan’s progress through the tournament.
Goalkeepers:
- The trio of Aadil Ali Khan, Ghulam Abbas, and Kashif will guard the goalposts. With the goalkeepers forming the last line of defense, their shot-stopping abilities will be vital, especially in knockout-stage encounters where a single goal can determine the outcome.
Coach’s Perspective and Expectations
Head coach Sajjad Mehmood has a wealth of experience, and his tactical insight will be crucial in ensuring the team’s success. Assisted by Hassan Baloch and Nouman Ibrahim, the coaching staff has meticulously prepared the players for this tournament. In a press release, the PFF expressed optimism that the young players will rise to the occasion, not only to win matches but to gain invaluable experience for the future of Pakistani football.
Pakistan’s Journey in SAFF Tournaments
Pakistan’s youth teams have had limited exposure on the international stage, but the SAFF U17 Championship presents an opportunity to mark their presence. A strong performance could spark renewed interest in football at the grassroots level in Pakistan, further fueling the sport’s development in the country.
The Road Ahead
While the group-stage matches will be the first hurdle, Pakistan’s goal will undoubtedly be to advance to the knockout stages, with a long-term vision of winning the championship. With a blend of youth talent, capable coaching, and support from the PFF, Pakistan’s U17 team is well-positioned to make a mark in the SAFF Championship.
As the green shirts prepare for battle, football fans across Pakistan will be eagerly watching to see how this promising squad performs. From defenders like Ubaid Ullah Khan to forwards like Shahraf Khan, every player will have a role to play in this thrilling tournament. Can Pakistan rise to the challenge and lift the SAFF U17 trophy? We’ll soon find out.
