DHAKA, Jan 15: Maldives came from behind to score a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nepal in the crucial Group B match to earn the right to face Pakistan in the semifinals of the South Asian Federation Football championship played on Wednesday.

In the other semifinal hosts Bangladesh will take on favourites and defending champions India. Both the semifinals will be played on Jan 18.

With the semifinal berth at stake Nepal took the lead in the 55th minute after a barren first half when Niranjan Rayamajhi scored an oportunist goal.

The lead was shortlived and five minutes later Mohamed Nizam levelled the score and Ashraf Lutfy made it 2-1 in the 75th minute. Ali Umar virtually sealed the fate of the match with a superbly-taken strike in the 84th minute.

Dev Narayan reduced the margin in the last minute of the game but the goal came too late as Maldives deservedly held on to emerge victors.

Later in a match of only academic interests Bangladesh routed winless Bhutan 3-0 after leading 1-0 at half time. The win also ensured Bangladesh, like Pakistan, maintained their hundred percent record in the eight-team competition.