Bangladesh qualify for semis after Sri Lanka-Bhutan stalemate

Bangladesh qualified for the semifinals of the ongoing SAFF Championship 2026 after Sri Lanka and Bhutan played out a 2-2 draw at the National Stadium on Sunday night.

The result confirmed Bangladesh's progress to the last four with three points, having beaten Bhutan 1-0 in their campaign opener. Their final group match against Sri Lanka on 11 November will now determine who finishes top of the group.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan became the first team to book a semifinal berth after cruising to a 3-0 victory over Maldives.

Bangladesh head coach Thomas Dooley watched the Sri Lanka-Bhutan encounter from the VIP stand, using the opportunity to assess his side's next opponents.

Sri Lanka initially looked the more threatening side, but Bhutan took the lead through Dawa Tshering in the 34th minute. Oliver James Kelaart restored parity a minute later with a long-range effort before Ahmed Waseem Razeek headed Sri Lanka ahead in the 43rd minute.

Bhutan missed a golden opportunity to equalize when Chencho Gyeltshen failed to convert a penalty in the 68th minute. However, the forward made amends eight minutes later with a superb finish to earn his side a point.

The draw leaves both Sri Lanka and Bhutan on one point.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, must address their lack of a recognized striker before facing Sri Lanka. Dooley acknowledged the challenge, stressing the need for greater aggression and a willingness to put opposition defenses under pressure.

“If you don't have a number nine, it becomes difficult. You have to have the mentality to hurt teams, to be aggressive and to put pressure on them. Against players like theirs, you have to be strong. Otherwise, the goalkeeper will come out. If you are afraid to go in there, then you don't need to take anyone,” he said.

Midfielder Hamza Choudhury and forward Farhaan Ali Wahid are expected to return to the squad for the Sri Lanka match. Both are expected to land Dhaka on Monday.