Holders Afghanistan and former winners the Maldives proved a class apart for their Group B counterparts as they stormed into the semi-finals of the SAFF Cup at the Greenfield Stadium here on Saturday.
Afghanistan were ruthless in their 3-0 annihilation of Bhutan courtesy an effortless brace from Khaibar Amani, who leads the top scorer tally with three goals, and a headed goal from Masih Saighani.
Amani had earned his start after coming off the bench to score Afghanistan’s fourth goal against Bangla-desh.
The striker proved his quality with a clinical left for the first goal and marked his double with a header.The Maldives sealed a dramatic 3-1 win over Bangladesh. Hassan Naiz and Nashid Ahmed emerged from the bench to score in 90 and 90+5 minutes to knockout the Tigers with a second defeat.
Maruful Haque made four changes. Waly Faisal’s inclusion added nerve to a shaky backline. The Maldives seemed tired and Ali Ashfaq cut a sorry figure after he uncharacteristically blazed over.
Bangladesh threatened with crosses and Faisal curled for Zahid Hossain whose header hit the post. Jamal Bhuyan worked tirelessly in the midfield and found Shakawath Rony, but the striker missed a one-on-one.
The Maldives broke the deadlock against the run of play. Faisal was penalised for a handball and Ashfaq converted the penalty even as Alam got a hand to it.
The red snappers’ pragmatic approach after the break made Ashfaq their lone forward. He used his experience to draw fouls repeatedly and won a freekick, from which Fasir Ali forced an uncomfortable save.
Mamunul Mamun swung a bounty of corners but hardly troubled Mohamed Imran. Hemonta Biswas fired a header over with Imran out of position. Hossain hammered a freekick at the wall and slashed the rebound wide.
Bangladesh were paid for their persistence as Samdhooh turned a clearance into his own net but the goal was credited to Hemonta, who vied for the header.
After the equaliser, the Maldives came out of their zones and Naiz who replaced Abdulla Asadullah got their lead back a minute since coming on, with a sublime back-heel flick. Another brilliant counter and a powerful finish from Nashid sealed the game.
