KPK Khyber post victory, Balochistan Bolan and Punjab Harappa match ends 2-2 Draw
Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD: KPK Khyber outclassed Punjab Potohar 3-0 in their opening match of the PFF National Under-17 Football Championship 2026, which kicked off at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Thursday. The match between Balochistan Bolan and Punjab Harappa ended at 2-2 draw.
Khyber were made to work for their victory after Potohar dominated the early exchanges and started the game with greater purpose. The tide gradually turned, however, as Khyber settled into the contest and began to impose themselves through a strong midfield presence and energetic wing play.
Abbas opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving Khyber the lead after they had begun to find their rhythm. Potohar continued to compete, but Khyber grew increasingly influential as the game progressed, with their midfield engine and threat from the wings keeping their opponents on the back foot. The result was sealed in the closing stages when Atif struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 88th and 90th minutes to complete a 3-0 victory for Khyber.
The second game of the day produced a very different contest, as Punjab Harappa and Balochistan Bolan played out a 2-2 draw in a match that changed dramatically after half-time. Harappa dominated the opening period and were rewarded in spectacular fashion in first-half stoppage time.
Husnain put Harappa ahead in the 45+2nd minute before Faizan doubled their advantage just two minutes later, sending Harappa into the interval with a 2-0 lead. Bolan, however, emerged from the break with a renewed sense of purpose.
The Balochistan side adopted a never-say-die approach and began playing with greater intensity and attacking intent. The game remained end-to-end, but Bolan increasingly looked the more purposeful side as they searched for a way back.
Their pressure paid off in the 53rd minute when Zohaib pulled a goal back to make it 2-1. Bolan continued to push and, around the 70-minute mark, were putting Harappa under sustained pressure. The equaliser finally arrived from the penalty spot, with Kaleemullah converting in the 70th minute to bring Bolan level.
The final whistle brought an end to an exhilarating 2-2 draw, but the contest had already done its job. An end-to-end battle, a two-goal comeback and chances at both ends gave the opening day its first real taste of the energy and unpredictability of the National U-17 Championship.
Earlier, Member National Assembly, Anjum Aqeel Khan graced the opening ceremony as a chief guest and formally announced the championship open. The opening ceremony featured a march-past by all ten participating teams, bringing together young footballers from across Pakistan as the Federation begins putting in place a new structure for youth football and a clearer pathway towards the national teams.
