India's dominance in the SAFF Championship is nothing new, and this edition has been no exception. Having won the title in 2009 on Bangladeshi soil with an Olympic squad, India is now advancing toward the trophy even with a second-string team.
In the first match of the day at Dhaka's National Stadium, India defeated Maldives 1-0 to confirm their place in the semifinals as Group B champions. With two wins from two matches, they have six points. Pakistan had already secured a last-four spot from the same group earlier, advancing as the group's second-placed team with three points.
India's Remarkable Consistency
India's statistical consistency in the SAFF Championship is impressive. Having participated 15 times so far, the team has reached at least the semifinals on every single occasion. Among those appearances, they have been champions nine times, runners-up four times, and finished third in 2003.Decisive Moment
Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored the winning goal from a penalty in the 39th minute, giving India the lead. It was his third goal of the current SAFF Championship, having also scored against Pakistan earlier in the tournament.With Maldives eliminated, the group stage has concluded. India and Pakistan have advanced to the semifinals, where their opponents will be determined based on results from the other group.
