Pakistan first to book SAFF semifinal spot

Pakistan became the first team to secure a spot in the semifinals of the ongoing SAFF Championship 2026 with a dominating 3-0 win over Maldives in their second and final crucial match of Group B at the National Stadium here on Sunday.

The Pakistani side, also known as The Falcons, last qualified for the semis in 2018 and ended their campaign in third or fourth place after losing 1-3 to archrivals India at the same venue in September. 

They earlier reached the semis three times in the 1997, 2003, and 2005 editions of this top-tier regional football competition.

On Sunday, Mckeal Aroon Abdullah opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the fourth minute before 19-year-old forward Najeeb Ullah struck twice within a span of 15 minutes in the early first half to put Pakistan firmly in control.

Pakistan kicked off their campaign with a 2-3 defeat to archrivals India in their opening match, but Sunday’s victory earned 3 points for them in the three-team group, the same as India. 

Despite having the same points, the Pakistani side superior goal difference of +2 secured their place in the semis. 

On the other hand, India must get at least one point from their last match against Maldives, which will be held on Wednesday at the same venue.

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 Ahmed 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.

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 defense.

Mohamed Naim tested Pakistan goalkeeper and captain Yousuf Ijaz Butt with a low shot in the 66th minute, but the custodian held firm. 

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.