Dhaka:India triumphed over Bhutan with a 2-1 victory in the first semi-final of the SAFF Championship at the National Stadium in Dhaka, marking their 14th appearance in the final of the tournament.
According to United News of Bangladesh, India will compete against the winner of the second semi-final match between hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan, which is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. on the same ground.
India's triumph mirrored their 2008 SAFF semi-final success in Male, where they also defeated Bhutan with the same scoreline. Vishnu opened the scoring for India in the ninth minute, followed by a goal from defender Chinglensana Singh in the 28th minute. Bhutan managed to score two minutes into the second half with Kinzang Tashi heading in a rebound after Chencho's initial shot hit the post.
The match witnessed the use of VAR for the first time in SAFF Championship history during the semi-finals and will continue in the final. A goal initially ruled offside by referee Munir Alkatiri was awarded to Bhutan following a VAR review. Later, a penalty awarded to India was overturned after another VAR review.
Despite Bhutan's strong push for an equalizer, creating several chances in the final half-hour, India managed to maintain their lead. India's success in the SAFF Championship continues with this victory, as they have reached the final in 14 of their 15 appearances, securing nine titles and finishing as runners-up four times. Their only absence in the final was in 2003 when they finished third. India also claimed the 2009 edition in Bangladesh with their Olympic team.