India guaranteed top spot in SAFF Championship Group B on Wednesday night, edging past the Maldives 1-0 at the National Stadium to complete a flawless group campaign with six points from two matches.
India rotated heavily with seven alterations to the starting line-up, after coming from a win against Pakistan. Nevertheless, the reshuffled unit controlled early proceedings against a compact Maldivian defensive setup.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat squandered a clear opportunity in the fourth minute when released by Brison Fernandes, dragging his effort wide. However, India’s dominance bore fruit in the 39th minute when Abdul Rabeeh was fouled inside the box after a solo run, going past two defenders. Suhail then took responsibility from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for his third goal of the tournament.
Although the Maldives enjoyed turns of possession, they created their most dangerous chances in the closing stages as India’s defensive discipline began to slip.
Goalkeeper Priyansh Dubey tipped Ibrahim Hamdhaan’s 79th-minute free-kick over the bar before parrying a long-range blast from substitute Muzdhaan Hassan. At the other end, Irfan Yadwad missed a chance to seal the match, heading Khaiminthang Lhungdim’s cross over the target.
Dubey sealed the victory in stoppage time with a brave point-blank save to deny Zaki’s close-range effort. India ended with 55 per cent possession and eight shots (two on target), while the Maldives produced seven attempts, testing Dubey four times without success.
