In a heartwarming display of sportsmanship, the U17 players from India and Pakistan shared high-fives at the start of their SAFF U17 Championship match. This gesture, a departure from the tension often associated with matches between the two nations, occurred before their Group Bfixture at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 22, 2025.

Both India and Pakistan have already secured their places in the semi-finals of the SAFF U17 Championship 2025, making this match a contest for the top spot in Group B. Going into the match, both teams had six points, with Pakistan leading the group due to a superior goal difference. Pakistan had convincing wins against Bhutan (4-0) and Maldives (5-2), while India defeated Maldives (6-0) and narrowly edged out Bhutan (1-0).

Bibiano Fernandes, the head coach of the India U17 team, emphasized the importance of treating the match like any other, despite the historical rivalry. He urged his players to focus on executing their game plan and playing good football. According to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Fernandes said the team's focus should be on playing good football and executing their plan, rather than the occasion itself.

The match began with both teams displaying attacking intent, although struggling to maintain possession in the initial stages. An early free-kick for India led to a yellow card for the Pakistani skipper, Abdul Samad, adding a bit of intensity to the game. India had the first real chance of the match in the 12th minute, but the shot was directed straight at the Pakistani goalkeeper, Razzak.

This year's SAFF U17 Championship features seven regional nations and will continue until September 27. India and Pakistan's qualification for the semi-finals was confirmed after their respective victories against Bhutan and Maldives. The winner of the India-Pakistan match will secure the top spot in Group B, potentially leading to a more favorable draw in the semi-finals.

The India U17 squad includes Manashjyoti Baruah, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Maldino Singh Yumnam, Shubham Poonia, and Korou Meitei. Pakistan's U17 squad includes Saamar Razzak, Abdul Samad, Nadeem Hussainn, and Muhammad Alam.

The match is being live-streamed on the Sportzworkz YouTube Channel in India.