Bangladesh 0–1 Pakistan: Samad's 86th-minute winner sends Pakistan into their first SAFF Championship final
Pakistan beat hosts Bangladesh 1–0 at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday to reach the SAFF Championship final for the first time in their history, Abdul Samad Arshad scoring the only goal in the 86th minute. Bangladesh, who topped their group unbeaten, had most of the ball but could not break down Nolberto Solano's side. Pakistan will face defending champions India in Tuesday's final at the same stadium, after India beat Bhutan 2–1 in the first semi-final.
Key points
- Bangladesh 0–1 Pakistan in Dhaka — Samad's 86th-minute goal settles the SAFF Championship semi-final.
- Pakistan reach the final for the first time in their history, at the fifth attempt after four semi-final defeats.
- The final is Pakistan against defending champions India at the same stadium on Tuesday.
What happened
Bangladesh, unbeaten group winners playing at home, were chasing a first final since 2005 and dominated the ball for long spells, but Pakistan's overseas-based reinforcements for the knockout rounds — Samad among them — gave Solano's side a threat on the break.
The semi-final was goalless until the closing stages, when Samad struck with around five minutes of normal time left and Pakistan held off the hosts' late pressure.
Match facts — all verified
- ✓ VerifiedPakistan beat Bangladesh 1–0 in the SAFF Championship semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday; Abdul Samad Arshad scored the only goal in the 86th minute.Asian Football Confederation — India, Pakistan set up final showdown (14 Nov 2026) · Dawn — Abdul Samad's late strike sends Pakistan into historic SAFF Championship final (14 Nov 2026) · Geo Super — Pakistan stun Bangladesh to seal maiden SAFF Championship final qualification (14 Nov 2026)
- ✓ VerifiedThe win takes Pakistan into the SAFF Championship final for the first time in their history; they had reached the semi-finals four times before without progressing, Dawn reports. Bangladesh had topped Group A unbeaten, while Pakistan reached the last four as Group B runners-up, losing 3–2 to India before beating the Maldives 3–0.Dawn — Abdul Samad's late strike sends Pakistan into historic SAFF Championship final (14 Nov 2026) · Asian Football Confederation — India, Pakistan set up final showdown (14 Nov 2026)
- ✓ VerifiedBangladesh had around 62 to 64 per cent of possession and pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Pakistan, coached by Nolberto Solano, stayed organised and registered more shots and efforts on target, Dawn reports.Dawn — Abdul Samad's late strike sends Pakistan into historic SAFF Championship final (14 Nov 2026)
- ✓ VerifiedPakistan will face India in the final at the same stadium on Tuesday 17 November; India, the defending champions, beat Bhutan 2–1 in the first semi-final, and India won the group meeting between the sides 3–2.Asian Football Confederation — India, Pakistan set up final showdown (14 Nov 2026) · Dawn — Abdul Samad's late strike sends Pakistan into historic SAFF Championship final (14 Nov 2026)
What we know / what we don't know yet
What we know
- The result, the scorer, the venue and the final pairing are settled across the AFC's report and the match reports.
What we don't know yet
- The final's kick-off time — the reports read give the day and venue but not the start time.