India edge Maldives to finish top of Group B

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship as Group B winners after grinding out a 1-0 victory over the Maldives in their final group match at the National Stadium today.

Suhail Bhat's first-half penalty proved decisive as India made it three wins from three to finish the group stage with nine points, maintaining their perfect record despite a spirited late fightback from the Maldives.

The Blue Tigers dominated possession from the opening whistle, pressing high and pinning the Maldives deep inside their own half. But their territorial superiority yielded few clear chances in the opening exchanges, with the islanders defending in numbers.

India finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute after Abdul Rabeeh won a penalty. The NorthEast United defender dispossessed Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf before driving into the box, where the Maldives defender brought him down.

Bhat made no mistake from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and finding the bottom-left corner for his third goal of the tournament.

India continued to dictate the pace after the interval, but the Maldives grew in confidence and threatened to spoil their opponents' clean sheet.

Goalkeeper Dubey was forced to rush off his line twice to deal with long balls before producing a fine save to deny Hamdhaan's free-kick in the 79th minute. He then kept out a long-range effort from Muzdhaan Hassan five minutes later.

The Maldives came closest to snatching an equaliser in stoppage time when Ethan Ibrahim Zaki found himself through on goal, only for Dubey to charge out and make a brave block with his face.

India also had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Irfan Yadwad heading over from close range in the 83rd minute.

The Maldives pressed for a late equaliser, but India held firm to secure the three points and top spot in Group B, sealing their passage to the last four with an unblemished record.