Indian players celebrate after defeating Bhutan in the SAFF Championship semifinal in Dhaka on November 14, 2026. Photo: SAFF
\n\nIndia sealed their place in the SAFF Championship 2026 final after surviving a late fightback from Bhutan to secure a 2-1 victory at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on November 14.
\n\nPV Vishnu and Chinglensana Singh Konsham scored for the Blue Tigers, while Kinzang Tashi Tobden pulled one back for Bhutan in a contest that also witnessed the first use of Video Assistance Referee (VAR) in the tournament.
\n\nIndia, coached by Naushad Moosa, are now one win away from clinching a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship title. They will face either Pakistan or Bangladesh in the final, with the two sides set to meet in the second semifinal later on Saturday.
\n\nUnlike their dominant displays in the group stage, India found it difficult to impose themselves on the game, with Bhutan's disciplined defensive setup restricting their attacking options. However, the Blue Tigers found a breakthrough as early as the ninth minute through an excellent individual effort from Vishnu.
\n\nThe move began with Khaiminthang Lhungdim's long diagonal pass, which Vishnu controlled on the left side of the box. The East Bengal winger…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/sports
