Bangladesh eye final after 21 years

Bangladesh will take on Pakistan in the SAFF Championship semi-final today, aiming to reach the final for the first time in 21 years.

The match will kick off at 8:30 PM at the National Stadium. Bangladesh last reached the final in 2005, when they lost 2-0 to India. They are also seeking their second SAFF title after winning their maiden championship in 2003.

The hosts advanced to the semi-finals with consecutive group-stage victories, beating Bhutan 1-0 and Sri Lanka 4-0. Shamit Som, Hamza Choudhury, Farhan Ali Wahid and Rakib Hossain scored against Sri Lanka.

However, Bangladesh have suffered a defensive setback as right-back Saad Uddin has been ruled out of the remaining matches after injuring his ankle tendon against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan, meanwhile, lost 3-2 to India in their opening match but bounced back with a 3-0 victory over the Maldives to secure their semi-final place.

The other semi-final will see defending champions India face Bhutan at 3pm today.

-AJM