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Maldives defeated Bangladesh 3-1 to finish on top of Group B and qualify for the semifinals of the SAFF Championship being played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Both Maldives and Nepal finished on 5 points each but Maldives finished on top on better goal difference, +2 in comparison to Nepal’s +1.
In the first match, Nepal were held to a 1-1 draw by Pakistan. Bharat Khawas’ side-volley off a corner in the 38th minute put Nepal in the lead only to be neutralised by Pakistan’s Samar Ishfaq off a penalty in the 48th minute. The penalty was awarded after Sandip Rai brought down Pakistan striker Kaleem Ullah inside the box.
Nepal finished with five points from three points whereas an undefeated Pakistan finished with three points from three matches.
Nepal’s coach Graham Roberts was happy after securing the semifinal berth. “We don’t care as to who we would play in the semis. We have come here with a plan and hopefully expect to execute it on the field, he said.
“The additional day’s rest would help us immensely. It will enable my players to recover better,” he added.
MALDIVES BEAT BANGLADESH 3-1: In the second match of the day, Maldives defeated Bangladesh 3-1. Ahmed Tariq scored a brace for Maldives, the goals coming in the 6th and the 17th minute respectively while Man-of-the-match Ali Ashfaq completed the rout in the 70th minute. For Bangladesh, Saheedul Alam reduced the margin in the 30th minute.
Maldives finished on 5 points from three matches while Bangladesh finished at the bottom of the table with 1 point from 3 matches.
