NEW DELHI: India continued their dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan in sports as the Indian U-17 football team secured a 3-2 win in a highly-charged SAFF U-17 Championship clash on Monday. The match drew extra attention after Pakistan player Muhammad Abdullah's controversial celebration.

India took the lead in the 31st minute through Dallalmuon Gangte, but Pakistan equalised in the 43rd minute when Abdullah converted a penalty. In a peculiar celebration, he ran to the corner, sat down, and, along with his teammates, appeared to mimic drinking tea.

However, the celebration backfired, as India ultimately triumphed on the field, reinforcing their superiority. Abdullah's unconventional antics, nevertheless, became the talking point after the match.

Gunleiba Wangkeirakpam restored India’s lead in the 63rd minute, but Hamza Yasir equalized for Pakistan just seven minutes later. Rahan Ahmed then struck the decisive goal in the 73rd minute, securing the victory for India.

Abdullah's controversial celebration came just a day after Pakistan cricketers Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farham made provocative gestures during their Asia Cup Super 4 clash against India in Dubai on Sunday.

India had won that cricket match by six wickets, and their younger footballing counterparts continued the trend by outplaying Pakistan at the Racecourse International Stadium in Sri Lanka's capital.

The Indian football team's breakthrough came in the 31st minute. Danny Singh Wangkhem dazzled on the flank, weaving past his marker before delivering a pinpoint ball into the path of Dallalmuon Gangte. With time and space, Gangte rifled home a strike, giving India the lead.

Just as India looked to take control, a defensive lapse cost them. In the 43rd minute, Yasir’s darting run into the box was halted by Thonggoumang Touthang, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

Muhammad Abdullah made no mistake from the spot, sending both sides into the interval level at 1-1.

India resumed the second half with renewed attacking flair. Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam tested the Pakistan keeper with a dangerous free-kick, before Ahmed too came close, latching onto a Gangte lay-off, only to be denied once more by Razzak.

The pressure paid off in the 63rd minute. Touthang delivered a slide-rule pass through the Pakistan defence, and Wangkheirakpam ghosted in to slot past the advancing keeper, restoring India’s lead.

Seven minutes later, a speculative long-range effort from Pakistan substitute player Muhammad Awais was spilled by Baruah, and the predatory Yasir pounced on the rebound to make it 2-2.

Yet, India weren’t done. In the 73rd minute, Azlaan Shah’s curling effort was parried by Razzak, only for Ahmed to react quickest. He shrugged off his marker, and coolly slot home the winner.

India then managed the final phase smartly, holding on to claim a victory.