India are through to the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship. The Blue Tigers edged past Maldives 1-0 in their final Group B match at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday, with Suhail Ahmad Bhat’s first-half penalty proving the difference and goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey holding firm at the other end.
It was not a comfortable evening for the defending champions. Maldives, already fighting for survival in the tournament, made India work for every inch. But a moment of calm from Bhat in the 38th minute, followed by a composed defensive display in the closing stages, was enough to send India through as group toppers with a perfect record of two wins from two matches.
Bhat delivers again
The breakthrough came when Abdul Rabeeh, who had dispossessed Maldives defender Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf, was brought down inside the penalty area. Bhat stepped up and made no mistake, sending goalkeeper Hussain Shareef the wrong way and tucking his kick into the bottom-left corner.
The goal took Bhat’s tally in the tournament to three. The young forward had already announced himself with a first-half brace in India’s 3-2 win over Pakistan in the opening match on November 5, and he is fast becoming the story of this campaign for the Blue Tigers.
Head coach Naushad Moosa had made seven changes to the side that beat Pakistan, keeping only Abhishek Suryavanshi, Muhammed Uvais, Bhat and Ricky Shabong in the starting eleven. The reshuffle did not disturb India’s rhythm in the first half, but the second half tested the new-look side’s resolve.
Dubey stands tall at the back
Maldives threw everything forward after the break, knowing only a win would keep their campaign alive. Wave after wave of pressure came India’s way in the final 20 minutes, and it was Dubey who stood between the islanders and an equaliser.
The young goalkeeper produced a series of crucial late saves to protect the clean sheet, organising his defence well and coming off his line decisively when Maldives tried to slip balls in behind. It was the kind of performance that wins tournaments quietly, away from the headlines the goalscorers take.
India held firm through the final whistle, and the relief on the players’ faces said plenty about how hard they had to work for the three points.
Group B picture
India finished the group stage with six points, ahead of Pakistan on three. Maldives bowed out without a point, while Pakistan took the second semi-final spot from the group.
For the defending champions, topping the group matters. It means a semi-final against the runners-up of Group A, rather than the group winners, and a little more breathing room before the business end of the tournament.
- India: 6 points from 2 matches, group winners
- Pakistan: 3 points, second place, also through
- Maldives: 0 points, eliminated
- Goals: Suhail Ahmad Bhat leads India with 3 in the tournament
What happens next
India will play their semi-final on November 14 against the runners-up from Group A. The opponent was to be confirmed after the final Group A match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Wednesday night.
The final of the 15th SAFF Championship is scheduled for November 17. India came into the tournament as defending champions, and two wins from two matches keeps that defence on track. But the Maldives game was a reminder that the knockout rounds will not come easy. The next step is a semi-final where one off night ends the campaign.
For now, though, the Blue Tigers can take the positives: a clean sheet, a striker in form, and a goalkeeper growing in confidence. In tournament football, that combination travels well.
FAQs
Who scored for India against Maldives?
Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored the only goal, a penalty in the 38th minute after Abdul Rabeeh was fouled in the box.
How many goals has Suhail Bhat scored in the SAFF Championship 2026?
Three. He scored twice in the 3-2 win over Pakistan and once, from the penalty spot, against Maldives.
When is India’s SAFF Championship semi-final?
India play their semi-final on November 14 against the runners-up from Group A.
Who topped Group B?
India topped the group with six points from two wins. Pakistan finished second with three points, and Maldives were eliminated without a point.
When is the SAFF Championship 2026 final?
The final is scheduled for November 17 in Dhaka.
India’s semi-final test comes on November 14. After two wins and a clean sheet to close the group stage, the defending champions will believe the trophy is very much within reach.
