DHAKA (Kashmir English): Pakistan made history by reaching the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship 2026 for the first time, defeating hosts Bangladesh 1-0 in a thrilling semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday.
Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India in the final on November 17 at the same venue, with a chance to claim their first-ever SAFF Championship title.
Despite Bangladesh enjoying greater possession and creating several attacking opportunities, Pakistan’s defence remained resilient and disciplined, successfully frustrating the home side.
Both teams remained intact at 0-0 until 85 minutes of action. The deadlock broke in the 86th minute when Abdul Samad Arshad found the net with a superb left-footed strike following a precise assist by Hayan Khattak, beating the opposition defence to give Pakistan a crucial lead.
Bangladesh pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Pakistan held firm to secure a historic victory.
In the closing minutes, tense moments involving spectators and verbal exchanges between Bangladeshi players and Pakistani footballers occurred. However, Pakistan maintained its composure to see out the match.
The Shaheens finished their Group ‘B’ as runners-up with a 3-2 defeat to India and a convincing 3-0 victory over the Maldives.
Under the guidance of head coach Nolberto Solano, Pakistan are now one victory away from lifting the SAFF Championship trophy for the first time.
