India are through to the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship 2026. The Blue Tigers beat the Maldives 1-0 at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday, thanks to a first-half penalty from Suhail Ahmad Bhat. With two wins from two matches, India finished on top of Group B with six points.
It was not a comfortable win. India had the better of the first half, but the Maldives pushed hard after the break and goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey had to make a string of saves to protect the lead.
IND vs MDV Highlights: Suhail Bhat Scores Again
Coach Naushad Moosa made seven changes to the side that had beaten Pakistan 3-2 in the opening game. India needed only a draw to qualify, but they started on the front foot. Bhat had the first big chance of the match in the fourth minute after a pass from Brison Fernandes, but could not convert it.
The breakthrough came late in the first half. Abdul Rabeeh was brought down inside the box by Maldives defender Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf, and the referee pointed to the spot. Bhat stepped up and scored to put India ahead just before the 40-minute mark.
It was Bhat’s third goal of the tournament. The young striker had scored twice in the win over Pakistan on November 5 and is fast becoming the face of India’s campaign.
The Maldives, who had to win to stay alive, threw everything forward in the second half. Dubey kept out a free-kick and then denied Muzdhaan Hassan. His best moment came in stoppage time, when he saved from substitute Ethan Ibrahim Zaki to seal the win. The defeat knocked the Maldives out of the tournament.
| Match | India vs Maldives, Group B |
| Result | India won 1-0 |
| Goal | Suhail Ahmad Bhat (penalty) |
| Venue | National Stadium, Dhaka |
| Date | November 11, 2026 |
| Group B standing | India first with 6 points from 2 matches |
India in SAFF Championship 2026 Semi-Final: What Next?
As Group B winners, India will face the runners-up of Group A in the first semi-final on November 14. Pakistan, who beat the Maldives 3-0 in their other group game, have also qualified from Group B. Hosts Bangladesh have booked their semi-final place from Group A. The final will be played on November 17.
The result is even more impressive given the squad India have sent to Dhaka. With the senior team busy playing friendlies against New Zealand, this is a young side led by Under-23 coach Naushad Moosa. They have now won both their matches and are two wins away from another SAFF title.
India, ranked 138 in the world, were always favourites against the 173rd-ranked Maldives, but the second half showed that the knockouts will not be easy. The Blue Tigers will need to be sharper in front of goal when the semi-final comes around on Saturday.