Late Pakistan goal dashes Bangladesh’s SAFF final hopes

Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the SAFF Championship final on home soil were crushed by a late Pakistan goal as the hosts suffered a 1–0 semi-final defeat at the National Stadium in Dhaka tonight (14 November).

Abdul Arshad struck in the 86th minute to settle a closely contested encounter, ending Bangladesh’s hopes of reaching the final for the first time in 21 years.

The defeat came as a bitter disappointment for Bangladesh, who had entered the knockout stage with considerable momentum after topping Group A with a perfect record.

The hosts had beaten Bhutan 1–0 before producing an emphatic 4–0 victory over Sri Lanka, scoring five goals without conceding in the group stage.

However, they struggled to convert their opportunities against Pakistan, despite creating several promising openings.

Bangladesh came close to breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Rakib Hossain’s left-footed effort inside the box was cleared off the line by Pakistan captain Abdullah Iqbal.

Pakistan also had their share of opportunities. Abdul Samad’s left-footed effort in the 32nd minute beat Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon but struck the post.

With neither side managing to score during the opening exchanges, the contest appeared to be heading towards a tense finish.

But Arshad found the breakthrough in the 86th minute, leaving Bangladesh with little time to recover.

The late goal proved decisive, bringing an end to Bangladesh’s campaign and their hopes of celebrating a place in the final in front of the home supporters.