Pakistan will face India in the SAFF Championship final on Tuesday, 17 November. The match will be played at the National Stadium in Dhaka. It is the first time Pakistan have reached the final of the tournament.
Pakistan reached the final with a 1-0 win over hosts Bangladesh on Saturday. Abdul Samad scored the winner in the 85th minute. The goal sent Pakistan into their first final since the tournament began in 1993.
The final will kick off at 7:00pm Pakistan time. India are the defending champions. They beat Bhutan in the other semi-final on Saturday.
A historic night in Dhaka
Pakistan had to defend for long spells against Bangladesh. The hosts pushed hard in front of their own fans. But Pakistan held firm. Then, with five minutes left, Samad struck a superb goal to win the match.
The win means Pakistan are one win away from their first regional title. The team is coached by Nolberto Solano. The former Peru star has built a side that is hard to beat.
Solano took charge of the team this year. His side have grown through the tournament. They lost their first group match to India. But they did not lose heart. They beat Maldives 3-0 in their next match. That win set up the semi-final against Bangladesh.
Pakistan had five overseas-based players available for the knockout match. They have added strength to a squad that finished second in Group B. Pakistan Football Federation President Syed Mohsin Gilani praised the team after the win.
The road to the final
Pakistan started the tournament with a 3-2 defeat to India on 5 November. It was a close match. Pakistan fought back but could not find an equaliser.
The team then beat Maldives 3-0 on 8 November. That result took them into the semi-finals as the second team from Group B.
In the semi-final, Pakistan faced hosts Bangladesh in Dhaka. The home crowd made it a tough night. But Samad’s 85th-minute goal settled the match. Pakistan won 1-0.
India’s path was smoother. They beat Bhutan in their semi-final to set up the final. They will now meet Pakistan for the trophy on Tuesday.
India stand in the way
India are the team to beat in South Asian football. They are the defending champions. They reached the final by beating Bhutan in their semi-final.
The two sides have already met once in this tournament. India beat Pakistan 3-2 in their group match on 5 November. Pakistan then beat Maldives 3-0 on 8 November to reach the last four.
India will start as favourites on Tuesday. But Pakistan have shown they can win the big moments. Samad’s late goal against Bangladesh proved that.
What to expect on Tuesday
The final will be played at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The same ground hosted the semi-final on Saturday. A big crowd is expected for the title match.
For Pakistan, the prize is huge. A win would bring the country’s first SAFF Championship title. It would also cap a historic run in the tournament.
Pakistan’s fans will be watching closely. The team have already made history by reaching the final. One more win would make it a night to remember.
For India, the aim is to keep their crown. They have won the title more times than any other team. They will not give it up easily.
The match kicks off at 7:00pm Pakistan time on Tuesday, 17 November.
Sources: Arab News, Pakistan Today and Geo Super. Read more about the last India-Pakistan final in India Beat Pakistan by 1 Wicket in U19 Asia Cup Final Thriller.
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