India advance to SAFF last four after 1-0 victory

India defeated Maldives 1-0 to enter the SAFF Championships semifinals. Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 38th minute. India needed at least a draw to secure qualification and top Group B

Dhaka: A dominant India beat Maldives 1-0 to enter the semifinals of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championships, following a first-half strike by Suhail Ahmad Bhat in their Group B match here on Wednesday.

Suhail Ahmad put India ahead with a 38th-minute penalty after Abdul Rabeeh was fouled in the box.

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Heading into the game, India needed a draw or a win to guarantee a spot in the semifinals and top Group B.

Pakistan had already qualified from the group with three points and a +2 goal difference after defeating Maldives 3-0.

Coached by Under-23 manager Naushad Moosa, India are fielding a young squad as the senior team are scheduled to play friendlies against New Zealand.