India went out late against Maldives as Dubey’s heroics book the SAFF semi-final spot

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship after edging Maldives 1-0 in their final Group B match at the National Stadium on Wednesday. Suhail Ahmad Bhat’s first-half penalty proved decisive, while goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey produced a series of crucial saves to maintain the lead for the defending champions.

India finished the group stage with six points ahead of Pakistan with three, while the Maldives went out without a point. The defending champions will face Bangladesh, Bhutan or Sri Lanka in the semi-finals on November 14. Their opponents will be confirmed in the final Group A match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Head coach Naushad Moosa made seven changes the side that defeated Pakistan 3-2 in their previous trip. Abhishek Suryavanshi, Muhammed Uvais, Bhat and Ricky Shabong kept their places while Dubey replaced Arshe in the wicket with Anwer Shaikh. Chinglensana Singh Konsham also took over the captaincy following the departure of Bijoy Varghese to New Zealand.

Bhat tested Maldives goalkeeper Hussain Shareef with an early effort at the near post, but India needed a penalty to break the deadlock in the 38th minute.

The opportunity came after Abdul Rabeeh dispossessed Hussain Sifaau Yoosuf, only for the defender to bring him down in the penalty area. Bhat stepped up to send Shareef the wrong way, calmly slotting his effort into the bottom left corner.

The goal took Bhat’s tally to three in the tournament. He scored twice in India’s victory over Pakistan, while Maglenthang Kipgen netted the other goal in that encounter.

Moosa made further changes after the break, introducing Irfan Yadwad and Kipgen for Rabeeh and Nickson. Vishnu PV later replaced Bhat in the 65th minute as India struggled to hold on to their advantage.

However, the Maldives threatened to spoil the occasion. Dubey denied Ali Hamdhaan’s free-kick in the 79th minute and kept out Muzdhaan Hassan’s effort five minutes later.

His biggest contribution came deep into the shutout. When Ethan Ibrahim Zaki attempted a close-range conversion, Dubey burst off his line and blocked the effort with his face to keep India clean.

The goalkeeper’s interventions were particularly important after India’s nervous finish against Pakistan, when they conceded twice in extra time despite taking a three-goal lead before half-time.

Moosa called for better concentration and game management after this match. Against the Maldives, India managed to hold on, Bhat’s penalty and Dubey’s late heroics securing their place in the last four.

– The end