Pakistan beat Maldives 3-0 in Dhaka on Sunday to record their first win of the SAFF Championship 2026. Najeebullah Bettani scored twice and McKeal Aroon Abdullah added a penalty as Pakistan confirmed their place in the semi-finals.
The win at the National Stadium came in Pakistan’s second Group B fixture. It followed a narrow 3-2 defeat to India in the opening match, and it leaves the group finely poised with one round of matches still to play.
The win has confirmed Pakistan’s place in the semi-finals, their first knockout appearance in the tournament since 2018. India and Maldives play on November 11 to decide who joins them.
How Pakistan beat Maldives 3-0
Pakistan started on the front foot and put the Maldives defence under pressure from the opening whistle. The early push paid off in the fourth minute, when Pakistan won a penalty and Abdullah stepped up to convert from the spot for a 1-0 lead.
Pakistan kept control after the goal and continued to create chances. Bettani doubled the lead with a clinical finish, and then struck again before half-time to complete his brace and make it 3-0 at the interval.
The Maldives struggled to find any rhythm in attack. Pakistan’s defence held its shape, and the visitors created few chances of note. Neither side scored in the second half, and Pakistan saw out a comfortable win.
What the win means for the semi-final race
The result was a strong response to the opening defeat. India beat Pakistan 3-2 in the first Group B match, with Suhail Ahmad Bhat scoring twice for India before Pakistan fought back late. That loss had left Pakistan with no room for error.
The win over Maldives restores the balance. With three points and a goal difference of plus two, Pakistan are guaranteed one of the top two places in Group B, whatever happens in the final group match between India and Maldives on November 11. That match will decide whether India or Maldives join Pakistan in the semi-finals, and who tops the group.
The target was set before the tournament. Pakistan went into the SAFF Championship aiming for the semi-finals, and the squad announcement had underlined the same goal. The 28-man squad named for the tournament in Dhaka also noted that four overseas-based players could join only if Pakistan reach the last four.
A first win after a difficult build-up
The campaign had a troubled build-up. The squad assembled late, with players gathering only days before departure, and the team flew out with little preparation time behind them. The opening loss to India then added to the pressure.
Pakistan have never won the SAFF Championship, and the side went into this edition as outsiders in a group with India and Maldives. The 3-0 win over Maldives is their first victory of the tournament, and their first win in the SAFF Championship in more than eight years, their last victory coming against Bhutan in September 2018. It is their clearest statement yet that the semi-final target is still alive.
The tournament runs in Dhaka until November 17. Pakistan will now watch the final group match closely, knowing it will decide who joins them in the semi-finals.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored for Pakistan against Maldives?
Najeebullah Bettani scored twice and McKeal Aroon Abdullah scored a penalty in the fourth minute. Pakistan won the match 3-0 in Dhaka.
Have Pakistan reached the SAFF semi-finals?
Yes. The 3-0 win over Maldives has confirmed Pakistan’s place in the semi-finals, their first knockout appearance in the tournament since 2018. India and Maldives play on November 11 to decide the second qualifier from Group B.
What happened in Pakistan’s first SAFF match?
India beat Pakistan 3-2 in the opening Group B fixture. Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice for India before Pakistan fought back late in the game.
Where is the SAFF Championship 2026 being played?
The tournament is being played in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and runs until November 17. Pakistan’s matches are at the National Stadium.
Have Pakistan ever won the SAFF Championship?
No. Pakistan have never won the SAFF Championship. The side went into this edition aiming for a semi-final place.
