THIMPU (Bhutan): Bhutan scored twice in stoppage time, including a late penalty, to send their fans into raptures after snatching a 3-3 draw against Pakistan in a riveting SAFF Under-17 Championship clash at the Changlimithang Stadium on Monday.

Pakistan had come from behind to go 3-1 up before Bhutan launched a spirited fightback to ensure a share of the points in the Group ‘B’ clash.

Thinley Yezer had fired Bhutan into a 25th-minute lead but Khubaib Khan levelled matters with a long-range screamer in the 38th after the hosts failed to clear a throw-in.

Two minutes into the second half, Pakistan took the lead when Subhan Karim fired from an acute angle after latching onto a low cross from the left.

Sharaf Khan’s finished off a counterattack with a shot from the edge of the box in the 68th to put Pakistan well and truly on top before the late meltdown.

In the 94th minute a cross from the left by Tandin Phuntsho sailed into the far corner to give Bhutan a lifeline and two minutes later they were awarded a penalty for handball with Sonam Dorji making no mistake from the spot.

The draw leaves both sides level on four points after two matches at the top of the group with Bhutan ahead on goal difference. Nepal are on three points after a 4-0 thrashing of pointless Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, who edged Nepal 1-0 in their opener, face Sri Lanka in their final group game on Wednesday, when Bhutan play Nepal. The top two finishers in the group advance into the semi-finals.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2024