Pakistan make history, reach first SAFF Championship final with 1-0 win over Bangladesh
The National Stadium in Dhaka, where Pakistan beat hosts Bangladesh 1-0 to reach their first SAFF Championship final. Photo: Jubair Bin Iqbal / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
DHAKA: Pakistan reached the SAFF Championship final for the first time in their history on Saturday, beating hosts Bangladesh 1-0 in the semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka. They will face arch-rivals India in Tuesday’s final at the same ground.
Samad’s late winner, five minutes from time
Abdul Samad settled the match five minutes from time, firing a powerful left-footed strike past Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon and silencing a packed home crowd. Substitute Hayan Khattak, brought on for Ali Uzair in the 74th minute, supplied the assist. Bangladesh had enjoyed the better share of possession for long spells, but Pakistan’s defence held firm and gave the hosts no way through.
A wait since 1993 is over
The SAFF Championship began in 1993, and Pakistan had reached the semi-finals four times before without ever progressing. This time, Nolberto Solano’s side broke through. Pakistan are now one win away from their first-ever regional title, and Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsin Gilani has congratulated the players and the team.
India await in Tuesday’s final
The final will be played on Tuesday, 17 November, at the same venue, with Pakistan taking on defending champions India. India beat Bhutan 2-1 in the first semi-final and are chasing a record-extending tenth title. India beat Pakistan 3-2 in the group stage, so the Green Shirts will also have a score to settle in the final.
