Pakistan defeated the Maldives 3-0 in their SAFF Championship group match in Dhaka on 8 November, improving their chances of reaching the semi-finals.
Najeebullah Bettani scored twice and McKeal Aroon Abdullah converted an early penalty. The win was Pakistan's first of the tournament after an opening defeat to India.
The 2026 SAFF Championship is being held at the National Stadium in Dhaka from 5 to 17 November. Six teams are divided into two groups. Group B comprises Pakistan, India and the Maldives; Group A has Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The top two from each group advance.
With the victory, Pakistan sit in a stronger position. The Maldives face India on 11 November and will need a substantial win to overtake Pakistan on points or goal difference.
The Maldives national team has struggled in recent regional competitions. Pakistan's result puts them within reach of the last four if results go their way in the final group fixture.
