SAFF U-17 Championship 2025: Full Schedule, Groups, India vs Pakistan Clash Set

The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) has announced the fixture schedule and group information for the 10th edition of the SAFF U-17 Championship that will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from September 15-27, 2024. The upcoming youth tournament promises to be exciting, with the most anticipated match happening between India and Pakistan, who are drawn in the same group.

Group Draw: India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bhutan in Group B

This year, seven countries will participate, divided into two groups:

• Group A: Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka
• Group B: India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bhutan

All group stage matches will follow a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the semifinals.

SAFF U-17 Championship 2025: Full Schedule

All matches will be hosted at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo. Here’s a breakdown of the group stage fixtures:

🗓️ Group Stage Fixtures:

• Sep 15, 7:00 PM – Nepal vs Sri Lanka (Group A)
• Sep 16, 3:00 PM – India vs Maldives (Group B)
• Sep 16, 7:00 PM – Pakistan vs Bhutan (Group B)
• Sep 18, 7:00 PM – Bangladesh vs Nepal (Group A)
• Sep 19, 3:00 PM – Pakistan vs Maldives (Group B)
• Sep 19, 7:30 PM – Bhutan vs India (Group B)
• Sep 21, 7:00 PM – Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (Group A)
• Sep 22, 3:00 PM – India vs Pakistan (Group B)
• Sep 22, 7:30 PM – Bhutan vs Maldives (Group B)

🔥 Knockout Stage:

• Semifinal 1 – Sep 25, 3:00 PM – Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B
• Semifinal 2 – Sep 25, 7:30 PM – Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A
• Final – Sep 27, 6:00 PM – Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2

India U-17s: Defending Champions and Most Successful Team

The India U-17 team, is back to defend their title in this year’s tournament. They won last year’s competition in Bhutan, beating Bangladesh 2-0 in the final with goals from Mohammed Kaif and Mohammed Arbash.

Also Read: From Aizawl to India: Khalid Jamil Appointed as New Head Coach of Indian Football Team

India has a good record in the SAFF U-17 Championship, with six trophies already. With a solid coaching team supporting them, they’ll be aiming to keep their place as the top team in the region.

India vs Pakistan U-17: The Rivalry Returns

On September 22, one of the most eagerly awaited matches of the tournament will take place when India meets Pakistan in the group stage. Even though it is a youth competition, the emotion and pride associated with any India vs Pakistan match — irrespective of age or format — is unprecedented.

This match will determine not only group position but also how the path towards the final will unfold with both nations looking to stamp their authority at the youth level.

Sri Lanka, the host country, is starting the tournament against Nepal on September 15. Sri Lanka hasn’t always been a top team, but playing at home with all the local fans cheering them on might push them to go far this time.

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