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Hosts Bangladesh secured a place in the semi-finals of the SAFF Championship 2026 without playing on Sunday after Bhutan came from two goals down to hold Sri Lanka to a 2-2 draw at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
The result confirmed Bangladesh’s progression to the last four, following their 1-0 victory over Bhutan in their opening Group A match.
Bhutan took the lead through Dawa Tshering in the 34th minute, but Sri Lanka equalised a minute later when Oliver Kelaart’s effort took a deflection before finding the net.
Waseem Razeek put Sri Lanka ahead in the 43rd minute, giving them a 2-1 lead at half-time.
Bhutan had a chance to level the score in the 67th minute after being awarded a penalty, but captain Chencho Gyeltshen failed to convert from the spot.
However, Gyeltshen made amends nine minutes later, scoring in the 76th minute to secure a 2-2 draw.
The result left both Sri Lanka and Bhutan with one point each from two matches, while Bangladesh advanced to the semi-finals with three points.
Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka in their final Group A match on November 11. A draw in that encounter will also secure Sri Lanka’s place in the semi-finals.
