Pakistan chase SAFF Cup history

Green-shirts face Bangladesh in the semi-final in Dhaka on Satruday

KARACHI:

Pakistan will look to make history by reaching the SAFF Championship final when they face hosts Bangladesh in a high-stake semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday (today.

The visitors will have added strength for the knockout encounter with five overseas-based players including Abdullah Iqbal, Easah Suliman, Ali Akbar Khan, Adil Nabi and Abdul Samad Shahzad joining the squad ahead of the November 14 clash.

The players missed Pakistan's group-stage fixtures because they fell outside the FIFA international window. Their arrival, however, gives coach Nolberto Solano additional options against a Bangladesh side that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Pakistan advanced to the semi-finals as Group B runners-up with three points and a goal difference of plus two. They scored five goals and conceded three across their two matches, finishing behind India, who collected six points from two victories.

Pakistan began their campaign with a 3-2 defeat against India despite showing attacking promise. Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice, while Kipgen added a third in the 32nd minute.

Solano's side responded emphatically in their next outing, beating the Maldives 3-0. Teenage striker Najeeb Ullah Khan, 19, scored twice in the first half as Pakistan secured the points needed to strengthen their qualification hopes.

Their place in the semi-finals was confirmed after India edged the Maldives 1-0, with Suhail converting a 38th-minute penalty. Pakistan consequently finished second in the group, while the Maldives were eliminated after losing both matches.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, head into the contest unbeaten and with the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters. They opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bhutan, courtesy of substitute Mohammad Ibrahim, before progressing to the semi-finals following a 2-2 draw between Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

The hosts further underlined their attacking strength with a 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka. Shamit Shome, Hamza Choudhury, Farhaan Ali Wahid and Rakib Hossain were among the scorers as Bangladesh strengthened their credentials as title contenders.

Pakistan will need to remain defensively disciplined while making the most of their attacking opportunities against a confident opponent. The arrival of the overseas contingent could prove important as Solano looks to improve his team's chances of reaching the final.

Bangladesh are chasing their second SAFF Championship title, having last lifted the trophy in 2003. Pakistan, however, will be determined to spoil the hosts' celebrations and take another step towards regional glory.

The other semi-final will see defending champions India face the Group A runners-up Bhutan on Saturday, with the final scheduled for November 17.