Male:India reached the semifinals as Group B champions in the SAFF Championship by defeating the Maldives 1-0 in their final group match held at the National Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, India will now face the Group A runners-up in the first semifinal match on November 14, with their opponents to be determined by the outcome of the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Group A match.
After a series of attacks and counterattacks, India managed to break the deadlock in the 38th minute with a penalty. The referee, Manil Mohammed Al, awarded the spot-kick after Maldives defender Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf fouled Abdul Rabeeh inside the penalty area. Suhail Ahmad Bhat, the Muhan Bagan striker, converted the penalty, marking his third goal in the tournament.
India dominated the first half, creating several attacking opportunities and keeping the Maldives defense under pressure. Although the Maldives had some promising moments, they failed to pose any serious threat to the Indian goal.
In the second half, the Maldives came close to equalizing in the 79th minute when substitute Hamdhaan's free-kick was saved by Indian goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey. Dubey again denied the Maldives five minutes later, blocking a shot from Muzdhan Hassan.
The Maldives had their best chance to level the score deep into stoppage time, but Zaki's attempt was thwarted by Dubey, who blocked the effort with his face. Despite appearing to be in pain, Dubey continued to play and helped India secure all three points, ensuring their position at the top of Group B. The Maldives ended their campaign with consecutive defeats.
India's starting XI included Priyansh Dubey (GK), C Singh Konsham (C), Sandip Mandi, Muhammed Uvais Moyikkal, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Ricky John Shabong, Macarton Louis Nickson, Brison Deuben, Abdul Rabeeh, and Suhail Ahmad Bhat.
The Maldives starting XI featured Hussain Shareef (GK), Samooh Ali (C), Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf, Ibrahim Aisam, Ahmed Aiham (1), Ahmed Aiham (2), Amdhan Ali, Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain, Hassan Eenaaz, Naiz Hassan, and Nisham Mohamed Rasheed.