Suhail penalty sends Blue Tigers into SAFF knockouts

India booked their place in the SAFF Championship 2026 knockout stage with a 1-0 win over the Maldives in Group B on Wednesday, with Suhail Ahmad Bhat’s first-half penalty proving to be the difference.

India dominated possession but had to survive a late scare. The result lifts them to six points, three clear of Pakistan, while the Maldives remain pointless at the bottom.

India needed only a draw to finish above Pakistan and controlled the opening half-hour, pressing high and pinning the Maldives in their own half. The visitors had no shot at goal before the break.

The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when defender Abdul Rabeeh won the ball and was brought down in the box by Yoosuf. The referee pointed straight to the spot.

Bhat sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and tucked the penalty into the bottom-left corner in the 38th minute. It was the Mohun Bagan youngster’s third goal of the tournament.

 Sandip Mandi blocked a Maldives effort for a corner as the visitors enjoyed their best spell before the interval.

India started the second half brightly. Brison Fernandes found substitute Irfan Yadwad, whose shot was blocked for a corner. Irfan later headed over from a counter-attack after Lhungdim’s early ball.

The Maldives grew in confidence with a long spell of possession but could not break down India’s defence. Substitute Hamdhaan’s free kick forced goalkeeper Dubey to tip over, and Muzdhaan Hassan’s effort was saved.

Dubey made the decisive stop in the 91st minute, charging off his line to block substitute Zaki’s one-on-one attempt with his face. He received treatment and continued, as India cleared their lines to hold on.

India, chasing a record-extending 10th title, will now await their semifinal opponent. Pakistan sit second in the group on three points.