Dhaka, Bangladesh: Abdul Samad Arshad struck a sensational 85th-minute winner to send Pakistan into their first-ever SAFF Championship final as Nolberto Solano’s men defied sustained pressure from hosts Bangladesh to snatch a dramatic 1-0 victory in their semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday.
With Bangladesh dominating possession and looking the more likely side to score, Samad produced a moment of individual brilliance to silence the home crowd and write a new chapter in Pakistan football history.
Picking up the ball on the right, Samad swiftly shifted it between his feet to create space before unleashing a powerful left-footed drive that beat the Bangladesh goalkeeper and sent Pakistan into the lead with just five minutes of regulation time remaining.
The historic victory marks another milestone in a remarkable year for Pakistan football, with the national team now just one win away from lifting the regional title for the first time.
Bangladesh enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, controlling 64 percent of the ball as they looked to make home advantage count. But Pakistan remained disciplined at the back, frustrating the Tigers while waiting for opportunities to strike.
Despite seeing far less of the ball, Pakistan carried a greater attacking threat, registering 13 shots compared to Bangladesh’s eight, with seven of those efforts on target against the hosts’ four.
Bangladesh pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Pakistan held firm to complete a famous victory and book their place in the championship decider.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsin Gilani hailed the achievement as another landmark in the country’s footballing resurgence.
“This has been the year for Pakistan football. Our results across all competitions are for all to see: from the FIFA Series where our women’s team took part to the historic triumph for our men’s team at the Diamond Jubilee International Tournament in the Maldives and their participation at the FIFA ASEAN Cup.
“We are now in the final of the SAFF Championship for the first time in our history. This is a reflection of the hard work done by our national team, the work that is being done by the PFF and we will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that Pakistan football continues to rise,” Gilani said.
Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India in the SAFF Championship final on Tuesday, November 17, with Solano’s side looking to cap a historic campaign by claiming their first-ever regional title.
