Abdul Samad Arshad struck a sensational late winner to guide Pakistan into their first-ever SAFF Championship final, as Nolberto Solano’s side held off sustained pressure from hosts Bangladesh to secure a dramatic 1-0 semi-final victory at the National Stadium on Saturday.
With Bangladesh dominating possession and looking the more likely side to break the deadlock, Samad produced a moment of individual brilliance in the closing stages to silence the home crowd and make history for Pakistan football.
The Denmark-based forward collected the ball on the right, skilfully shifted it between his feet to create space before unleashing a powerful left-footed drive that beat goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon with around five minutes of regulation time remaining.
The victory marks another significant milestone in a remarkable year for Pakistan football, with the national side now just one win away from claiming its first regional title.
Bangladesh enjoyed around 62-64 per cent possession and looked to make the most of home advantage, but Pakistan remained disciplined and organised defensively, frustrating the hosts while posing a threat on the counter-attack.
Despite having considerably less of the ball, the visitors registered more shots and efforts on target.
Bangladesh, who had topped Group ‘A’ unbeaten with victories over Bhutan and Sri Lanka, pressed for an equaliser in the closing minutes.
Frustrated home supporters even threw a flare onto the pitch, briefly interrupting play, but Pakistan held firm to secure a famous victory.
The result also ends a long history of semi-final disappointment for the Shaheens, who had reached the last four on four previous occasions without managing to progress to the final.
Solano’s men had reached the semi-finals as Group ‘B’ runners-up after opening their campaign with a 3-2 defeat to India, despite a spirited late fightback, before responding with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Maldives.
The arrival of several overseas-based players, including Samad, for the knockout rounds provided a timely boost, with the group-stage fixtures having fallen outside the FIFA international window.
Pakistan will now face arch-rivals and defending champions India in Tuesday’s final after the latter defeated Bhutan 2-1 in the other semi-final.
Solano’s side will be aiming to cap their historic campaign by overcoming India and securing Pakistan’s first-ever SAFF Championship title.
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