India top group B to reach SAFF semi-finals

Collected Photo

India defeated Maldives 1-0 to finish top of Group B and secure a place in the SAFF Championship semi-finals at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday (November 11).

Suhail Ahmed Bhat scored the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Maldives defender Yusuf fouled Abdul Rabih inside the box.

India finished the group stage with six points from two matches, having earlier beaten Pakistan 3-2. Pakistan secured second place with three points, while Maldives were eliminated without a point after losing both matches.

India goalkeeper Priyanshu Dubey played a key role in preserving the lead, making several important saves in the second half, including a late stop against substitute Hamdan.

India’s semi-final opponent will be determined after the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Group A match scheduled for 8PM on Wednesday.