Pakistan reached the final of the SAFF Championship for the first time in their history on Saturday, beating hosts Bangladesh 1-0 in the second semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) reported. The result sets up a final against India on Tuesday, November 17, at the same venue.

Source: AFC

The semi-final stayed goalless deep into the second half before Abdul Samad scored what proved to be the winner in the 86th minute, according to the AFC's official match report. Geo Super reported that Samad's late strike came after sustained Bangladeshi pressure, and that Pakistan, coached by Nolberto Solano, held on to complete a famous victory.

Source: Geo Super

Earlier on Saturday, India had booked their own place in the final with a 2-1 win over Bhutan at the same stadium. Vishnu PV scored in the 9th minute and Chinglensana Singh Konsham in the 27th, before Kinzang Tashi Tobden pulled one back for Bhutan in the 47th minute, the AFC said. India are the defending champions and are chasing a record-extending 10th SAFF title.

Tuesday's final promises a close contest: when the two sides met in the group stage earlier in the tournament, India defeated Pakistan 3-2, the AFC noted. For Pakistan, the final is a chance to win their first-ever regional title; for India, it is an opportunity to extend their dominance of South Asian football.

Bangladesh's defeat ended the hosts' bid to reach a first SAFF final since 2005, despite enjoying long spells of possession in front of a home crowd in Dhaka.