Less than 24 hours after Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan drew criticism for provocative gestures against India in the Asia Cup, a similar controversy unfolded on the football field.
In the SAFF U-17 Championship match in Colombo on Monday, India edged out Pakistan 3-2, but the spotlight shifted to Pakistani forward Muhammad Abdullah’s celebration. After scoring from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute, Abdullah mimicked a “tea-sipping” gesture, an act widely interpreted as a taunt toward Indian fans.
How the controversy unfolded
India had taken the lead in the 31st minute when Dallalmuon Gangte converted a cross from Danny Singh Wangkhem. Then Abdullah’s penalty equaliser in 43rd minute triggered the contentious celebration, as he sat with teammates in the corner and pretended to sip tea.
India hit back to claim victory
The gesture, however, proved short-lived as India regained control in the second half. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam restored the lead in the 63rd minute, only for Hamza Yasir to pull Pakistan level again in the 70th minute by slotting home a rebound.
But the final word belonged to India. In the 73rd minute, Rahan Ahmed capitalised on a loose ball inside the box to fire in the winner, sealing a 3-2 victory. India then held firm in the closing stages to complete yet another triumph over their arch-rivals.
