Pakistan roar into last four with Maldives rout

Pakistan booked their place in the SAFF Championship semi-finals for the first time in 23 years after producing a dominant 3-0 victory over the Maldives at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.

Three first-half goals sealed the win for Pakistan, who became the first side to reach the last four of the tournament. The result also brought back memories of 2003, when they last made the semi-finals in the SAFF Championship, also held in Dhaka.

Mckeal Aroon Abdullah opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the fourth minute before 19-year-old forward Najeeb Ullah struck twice to put Pakistan firmly in control.

The victory lifted Pakistan to three points in Group B, level with India, but their superior goal difference of +2 secured their place in the semi-finals. Pakistan had begun their campaign with a 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals India in oppening match.

India and the Maldives, who are yet to earn a point, will meet in the final group match on Wednesday. A draw will be enough for India, who have a goal difference of +1, to join Pakistan in the last four. The Maldives, on -3, must win by a big margin to keep their hopes alive.

Pakistan made a flying start, taking the lead just four minutes into the match. Maldives defender Mohamed Naim brought down Mckeal Aroon Abdullah inside the penalty area, and Abdullah made no mistake from the spot.

The lead doubled five minutes later when Najeeb Ullah collected a pass from Junaid Ahmrd Shah and fired a right-footed shot into the net. The forward had also found the target against India.

Najeeb struck again in the 24th minute after a defensive mix-up by Maldives defender Amdhan Ali gifted him possession. The 19-year-old made the most of the opportunity, beating the goalkeeper with a long-range effort to put Pakistan 3-0 ahead.

The Maldives made three changes after the break in an attempt to get back into the contest, bringing on experienced forward Ali Fasir alongside Mohamed Shafeeu and Nisham Rasheed. However, they struggled to find a way past Pakistan's defence.

Mohamed Naim tested Pakistan goalkeeper and captain Yousuf Ijaz Butt with a low shot in the 66th minute, but the custodian held firm. The Maldives thought they had pulled one back a minute later, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Pakistan substitute Shayak Dost, who missed a penalty against India, had a chance to add a fourth in the 71st minute but sent his effort wide.