Dhaka, Nov 12:
A composed first-half penalty conversion by forward Suhail Ahmad Bhat and crucial late saves from goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey powered India to a 1-0 victory over the Maldives in their final Group B encounter at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday, sealing top spot in the group and a berth in the SAFF Championship 2026 semi-finals.
Dominating early possession, the nine-time champions broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when Suhail stepped up to calmly slot home from the spot—his third goal of the tournament following a brace against Pakistan in the opener. Despite making seven changes to the starting lineup, India controlled the tempo through the second half while handing a senior international debut to forward Vishnu PV.
In the closing stages, goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey pulled off two vital reflex stops to deny Maldives an equaliser and preserve the clean sheet. India will now face Bhutan in the first semi-final on Saturday, November 14, while Bangladesh take on Pakistan in the second knockout clash.