Pakistan stand between Bangladesh and final

Bangladesh are aiming to play high-pressing football against a physically strong Pakistan side in the semifinals of the SAFF Under-17 Championship, set to take place on Thursday at the Racecourse International Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The match will kick off at 3:30 pm Bangladesh time.

Two-time champions Bangladesh cruised into the semifinals with emphatic 4-0 victories over both Nepal and Sri Lanka, sending a strong message to their rivals and establishing themselves as serious title contenders. Now, a determined Pakistan side stand in the way of Bangladesh's third consecutive appearance in the final.

Pakistan booked their place in the semifinals with a series of impressive performances, including a 4-0 win over Bhutan, a 5-2 victory against the Maldives, and a narrow 3-2 defeat to India. They will be eager to overcome Bangladesh, who knocked them out at the same stage in both the 2023 and 2024 editions of the tournament.

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"Playing in the semifinal is always challenging, especially when the opponents are Pakistan, who are a physical side and play a fast-paced game," said Bangladesh head coach Golam Rabbani Choton in a video message. "However, we are going there to win, with good preparation, a clear plan, and strong confidence."

"The boys are motivated to play high-pressing, attacking football and are ready to give more than 100 percent in an effort to control the midfield," Choton added. "Pakistan are strong in set-pieces and quick in transitions."

Pakistan's M Abdullah has been in outstanding form, scoring six goals in three matches, while Mansoor Ahmed and Hamza Yasir have also impressed, contributing five goals between them. Bangladesh's defence, which has yet to concede a goal in the tournament, must be at its best to contain the Pakistani trio if they are to reach the final.

On the attacking front, Bangladesh's forwards -- Rifat Kazi, Mohammad Arif, and Mohammad Manik -- have also found the net in the previous matches. However, they will need to be more clinical in front of goal and make the most of their chances to secure a place in the final.