DHAKA, Jan 18: Hosts Bangladesh and the Maldives on Saturday stormed into the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) tournament with surprise wins over tough rivals in the semifinals at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.

The Maldives surprised Pakistan as midfielder Ibrahim Fazeel scored the all-important goal in the 12th minute, when he volleyed in on off a corner kick taken by captain Mohammed Nizam.

The Maldives, runners-up in group ‘B,’ played well against group ‘A’ champions Pakistan in the first half, but went on the defensive in the second session.

Pakistan made some desperate attempts after halftime, but the equaliser proved evasive as they failed to convert chances created by the midfielders.

Thousands of jubilant football fans, who had braved the chilly winter weather to watch the home side take on two-time champions India, erupted with joy when Motiur Rahman Munna headed in a spectacular golden goal in the 96th minute to secure Bangladesh’s place in the final.

Bangladesh, group ‘B’ champions, took time finding their form against group ‘A’ runners-up India but slowly got the upper hand, though missing three opportunities to score in the first half.

After a goalless first half, Bangladesh’s Rokonuzzaman Kanchan finally found the net in the 77th minute while Alvito D’ Chuna equalised just four minutes later with the result standing at 1-1 after 90 minutes.

The game pushed into extra time, which was again was dominated by the hosts, whose 96th minute golden goal secured victory.

The Maldives and Bangladesh now clash Monday in the final of the regional football tournament, in which Afghanistan competed for the first time.—AFP

Maldives                 1             Pakistan 0