Islamabad, 14 November, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Pakistan made history by reaching the SAFF Championship final after defeating hosts Bangladesh 1-0 in a thrilling semi-final in Dhaka on Saturday. Abdul Samad Arshad scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute at the National Stadium, securing Pakistan’s place in the November 17 final against arch-rivals India. The closely contested match remained goalless for most of the game, with both teams hitting the woodwork in an entertaining first half. Pakistan displayed disciplined defending and resisted Bangladesh’s attacking pressure before finding the breakthrough five minutes before full time. Despite Bangladesh’s late attempts to equalise, Pakistan maintained their lead to secure a memorable victory. Coached by Nolberto Solano, Pakistan entered the semi-finals as runners-up from Group B after losing 3-2 to India in their opening match and registering a convincing 3-0 victory over the Maldives, with teenage striker Najeeb Ullah Khan scoring twice. Pakistan also received a boost ahead of the knockout stage with the arrival of five overseas-based players, Abdullah Iqbal, Easah Suliman, Ali Akbar Khan, Adil Nabi and Abdul Samad Shahzad, who had missed the group matches because they were held outside the FIFA international window. Bangladesh, who topped Group A unbeaten with victories over Bhutan and Sri Lanka, were aiming to reach the final on home soil and claim their second regional title after winning the competition in 2003. Pakistan will now face India in the final as they seek to win the SAFF Championship title.