India reached to the semifinal as group B champions in the SAFF Championship defeating the Maldives by 1-0 goals in their ultimate group match held at the National Stadium here today (Wednesday).

India will now play the first semifinal match against group A runners-up on November 14 with their opponents to be determined by the outcome of Bangladesh- Sri Lanka group A match.

After attacks and counterattacks, India finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute from a penalty. Referee Manil Mohammed Al awarded the spot-kick after Maldives defender Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf brought down Abdul Rabeeh inside the penalty area.

The Muhan Bagan striker Suhail Ahmad Bhat made no mistake from the spot, sending the ball into the net to complete his third goal in the tournament.

India dominated the first half, creating several attacking opportunities and keeping the Maldives defence under pressure. The Maldives had a couple of promising moments but failed to pose any serious threat to the Indian goal.

After the resumption, The Maldives came close to equalising in the 79th minute when substitute Hamdhaan free-kick was brilliantly saved by Indian goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey. Five minutes later, Dubey again denied the Maldives, keeping out a shot from Muzdhan Hassan.

The Maldives had their best chance to level the score deep into stoppage time. Zaki found himself unmarked in front of goal after receiving the ball inside the box, but Dubey rushed off his line and blocked his effort with his face.

The Indian goalkeeper appeared to be in pain following the incident, raising concerns over a possible injury, but he eventually got back to his feet.

India held on in the remaining minutes to secure all three points and finish atop Group B, while the Maldives ended their campaign with back-to-back defeats.

India starting XI: 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.

Maldives starting XI: 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.
Source: BSS