Home crowd turns out in force ahead of crucial Bangladesh-Pakistan SAFF semis

Hours before Bangladesh's crucial semifinal match of the ongoing SAFF Championship 2026 against Pakistan, supporters began flocking to the National Stadium in Dhaka today, with the prospect of a place in the final sending excitement soaring among the home crowd.

With kick-off scheduled for 8:30pm, fans started arriving well ahead of time, responding to a police appeal to enter the stadium early and avoid a repeat of the crowd-management problems witnessed during Bangladesh's final group-stage match against Sri Lanka.

The excitement was also reflected outside the stadium, where sales of Bangladesh jerseys and national flags gathered momentum. Unlike the hosts' previous two group matches, demand for the red and green colours was particularly noticeable ahead of Saturday's knockout encounter.

At the main gate of the National Sports Council, jerseys were selling for Tk250, with supporters seen bargaining with vendors. Many who had arrived wearing casual shirts or other outfits were keen to buy a national team jersey before taking their seats in the stands.

Flags of different sizes were also selling briskly, with vendors reporting increased demand as the afternoon progressed.

"Sales are a little higher today because Bangladesh are playing. The rush has increased since the afternoon," one vendor said.

The growing enthusiasm comes after Bangladesh's emphatic 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka in their final group match. A win over Pakistan would take the hosts into the SAFF final for the first time in 21 years, further raising expectations among supporters.

Among those backing the red and green was a group of people who work closely with the national team at Hotel InterContinental, where the players were staying. Having spent much of the day with the footballers, they arrived at the stadium determined to cheer them on.

"We want Bangladesh, 100 per cent," one supporter said, before the group joined in a chorus of "We want Bangladesh". He confidently predicted at least a two-goal victory, backing Farhaan Ali Wahid and Hamza Choudhury to find the net.

University student Ifat Jahan, who came from Dhanmondi, also tipped Hamza and Shamit Shome to score, while expressing her admiration for Farhaan following his spectacular solo effort against Sri Lanka.

"His goal on Wednesday was loved by everyone. We all liked it so much. We have been seeing the players throughout the day, from morning until night, and they have been wonderful. I hope they play well and score today," she said.

Meanwhile, the authorities appeared keen to avoid a repeat of the disorder that marred the Sri Lanka match. During that game, supporters had forced their way into the stadium after breaking through a gate amid difficulties entering the venue.

Taking that experience into account, police had urged fans to arrive early on Saturday. Supporters responded to the appeal, with spectators entering from the afternoon and the crowd gradually swelling as kick-off approached.

Additional police personnel were also deployed, while entry queues were extended in an apparent effort to manage the expected surge in attendance.

With a place in the final at stake and the home crowd eager to end a 23-year title drought, the National Stadium was gearing up for a night of high expectations. The effectiveness of the enhanced security arrangements, however, remained to be seen as the crowd continued to grow.