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Defending champions India defeated the Maldives 1-0 in a crucial Group B match of the SAFF Championship on Wednesday to finish as group winners and secure a place in the semi-finals.
India, who are aiming for a record-extending 10th title, dominated proceedings from the outset at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when India were awarded a penalty after one of their players was fouled inside the Maldives box. Young forward Suhail Ahmad Bhat calmly converted the spot-kick to give India the lead. It was his third goal of the tournament.
The Maldives pushed hard for an equaliser after the break, launching several promising attacks but failing to breach India’s defence.
In stoppage time, Indian goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey produced an outstanding save to deny Maldives player Zakir a seemingly certain goal.
The crucial late save helped India preserve their clean sheet and secure all three points, while the Maldives bowed out of the competition.
