India defeated Maldives 1-0 in their final Group B match, to progress to semifinal of 2026 SAFF Championship at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored the only goal in 38′ through penalty. However, Blue Tigers could not increase the margin and on the other hand, Maldives could have equalised at the death but some brave goalkeeping from Priyansh Dubey helped India to secure three points.
India finished the group stage with six points, followed by Pakistan on three, while Maldives bowed out with zero points.
India’s opponent for semifinal will be confirmed later on the day. Semifinals are scheduled for November 14.
India is the most successful nation in the SAFF Championship, having won the title a record 9 times – 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, 2023; finished runners-up 4 times – 1995, 2008, 2013, 2018 while finished third in 2003.
India Starting XI:
Priyansh Dubey, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Abdul Rabeeh, Muhammed Uvais, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ricky Shabong, Macarton Nickson, Sandip Mandi, Brison Fernandes
Picture Courtesy: AIFF Media
