The Maldives national football team has exited the SAFF Championship after a 1-0 loss to India at the National Stadium in Dhaka on 11 November.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat converted a penalty in the 38th minute after Abdul Rabeeh was fouled inside the area. India controlled possession for much of the match and protected their lead to finish top of Group B with six points.
The Maldives finished the group stage without a point after earlier defeats, including a 3-0 loss to Pakistan. India, coached by Naushad Moosa and fielding a younger squad, needed only a draw or a win to secure first place and a semi-final berth.
Goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey made important late saves for India as the Maldives pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages. The result ends the Maldives’ campaign in the tournament, where they have previously lifted the title in 2008 and 2018.
India will meet the runner-up of Group A in the semi-finals. Pakistan advanced as the second team from Group B.
