Pakistan beats Bangladesh 1-0, will face India in SAFF Championship final

Pakistan stunned host Bangladesh 1-0 in the SAFF Championship semifinal at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday, reaching the final for the first time in its history. Abdul Samad Shahzad Arshad scored the winner five minutes from the end of normal time.

UNB reported the goal came after Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon's throw landed at Samad's feet, and he rifled it into the net with his left foot.

The defeat ended Bangladesh's bid for a first final appearance since 2005, when it beat Pakistan in the semifinals in Karachi.

India, coached by Naushad Moosa, is eyeing a record-extending 10th title after beating Bhutan 2-1 in the first semifinal earlier in the day at the National Stadium in Dhaka. V.

Vishnu and Chinglensana Singh Konsham scored for India while Kinzang Tashi Tobden got one back for Bhutan in a game that marked VAR's usage in the tournament for the first time. The summit clash between India and Pakistan will take place on Tuesday.

Match details

Pakistan had more shots on target despite Bangladesh dominating possession with 62 per cent. Both sides hit the post in a goalless first half.

Rakib Hossain's powerful shot, set up by a Shamit Shome header, was saved by the Pakistan goalkeeper but slipped from his hands onto the post.

Samad also hit the post after the cooling break around the 30th minute after finding space when defender Tariq Kazi lost his marker.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon made a two-handed save in the second minute after a misplaced pass from Shamit Shome started a Pakistan attack. He made another diving save from a free-kick after Hamza Choudhury fouled just outside the box late in the second half.

Early in the second half, Rakib's shot was blocked by a defender, and Pakistan's Abdullah reached a cutback just before Shome could. Farhan Ali's shot went just past the post, though he had been offside.

Coach Thomas Dooley brought on striker Mohammad Ibrahim for Suki Itosofa after the hour mark, and Bishwanath Ghosh came on at right-back for Rahmat Mia. Bangladesh made two changes from the side that beat Sri Lanka 4-0 to top Group A.

Rahmat replaced defender Saad Uddin, who was ruled out of the tournament with the ankle injury he suffered in that match. Suki started up front in place of Ibrahim.

Before the match, Dooley told broadcasters that the team had learned a lot from a disappointing ASEAN Cup campaign in Indonesia and that he had seen good spirit in the squad. He also expressed regret at losing Saad to injury.

Pakistan coach Nolberto Solano had said he expected a very tough test and that his side had prepared well.

Related on Apex Sports News

• India beat Maldives 1-0 to reach SAFF Championship 2026 semifinal

• SAFF Championship 2026: VAR to debut in semi-finals and final

• India U19 face Pakistan U19 in Asia Cup final at Al Amerat

Sources

• Sportstar

• Sportstar

• Sportstar

• unb.com.bd