After India vs Bhutan SAFF semi, Bangladesh heartbreak as Pakistan set up India final

The India vs Bhutan SAFF Championship semi-final opened Saturday's double-header in Dhaka, and the day ended in disappointment for the hosts. In the afternoon, defending champions India beat Bhutan 2-1 at the National Stadium. In the evening, at the same ground, a late goal gave Pakistan a 1-0 win over Bangladesh and a place in the SAFF final for the first time in their history.

That sets up an India vs Pakistan final on Tuesday, 17 November. For the home fans who packed the stands hoping to see Bangladesh reach their first final in 21 years, the wait goes on.

India vs Bhutan: VAR changes the picture

India took the lead after 9 minutes, when PV Vishnu cut in from the left and curled a shot into the far corner. In the 27th minute Bhutan failed to clear a corner, and captain Chinglensana Singh volleyed in the loose ball to make it 2-0.

Early in the second half, in the 48th minute, Kinzang Tashi pulled one back for Bhutan. The goal was first ruled out but given after a VAR review. VAR also overturned a penalty that had been awarded to India. This is the first time VAR is being used at the SAFF Championship, for the semi-finals and the final. India held on to win 2-1 and stay on course to defend their title.

Bangladesh vs Pakistan: both teams hit the post

In front of a full house, both sides started cautiously. Bangladesh's best first-half chance fell to Rakib Hossain, but his shot came back off the post. At the other end, a shot from Pakistan's Abdul Samad also hit the woodwork, and the first half finished goalless.

Bangladesh had more of the ball after the break but struggled to break down Pakistan's defence and create clear chances. Substitutions did not change the rhythm of the game.

An 86th-minute mistake decides it

With the game heading towards stoppage time, the decisive moment arrived. A mistake by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon handed Pakistan possession. Abdul Samad took the ball past the defence and fired home a powerful shot that Srabon could not keep out, despite a dive. The goalkeeper had made some good saves earlier in the match.

In stoppage time, flares were thrown onto the pitch from the stands and play was briefly halted. When it restarted, Bangladesh could not find an equaliser.

A historic night for Pakistan

Coached by Nolberto Solano, Pakistan are in a SAFF final for the first time. They had lost their opening group match to India 3-2, so the final also gives them a chance to reverse that result.

Bangladesh's wait gets longer

Bangladesh reached the semi-finals by beating Bhutan and Sri Lanka without conceding a goal, but could not clear the last-four hurdle. Their last SAFF final was in 2005, and their only title came in 2003 on home soil. The wait to return to the final now goes on.

What next

In Tuesday's final on 17 November, India will aim to keep their crown while Pakistan chase a first SAFF title. Priyo News 24 will update readers once the final's kick-off time and broadcast details are confirmed.