India topped Group B of the SAFF Championship after a 1-0 win over the Maldives at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday, November 11. Suhail Ahmed Bhat scored the only goal from a penalty in the 39th minute, and the result gave India six points from two matches and a place in the semi-finals.
The penalty was awarded after Maldives defender Yusuf fouled Abdul Rabih inside the box. Bhat converted it to settle a contest that had been tight through the first half, and India held the lead for the rest of the match.
Goalkeeper Priyanshu Dubey was the main defensive figure for India in the second half, making key saves to keep the Maldives out. A late intervention to stop substitute Hamdan also preserved the one-goal margin, ensuring the clean sheet that secured the win.
The result followed India's earlier 3-2 victory over Pakistan, which put the side in a strong position before the final group fixture. Pakistan finished second in Group B with three points. The Maldives were eliminated without a point after two defeats.
India's semi-final opponent has not yet been decided. It depends on the outcome of the Group A match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, scheduled for 8 PM on the same day in Dhaka. Whichever side wins or finishes ahead in that group will determine India's next opponent in the tournament.
Source: banglamirrornews.com
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