Defending champions India booked their place in the SAFF Championship 2026 final after edging past Bhutan 2-1 in the first semifinal at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday.
PV Vishnu and captain Chinglensana Singh scored in the first half to put India in control, but Bhutan mounted a spirited fightback after the break to make it a nervy finish.
India took the lead in the eighth minute when Khaiminthang Lhungdim's long diagonal pass found East Bengal forward Vishnu on the left side of the box. After controlling the ball and shifting onto his right foot, Vishnu calmly slotted it into the bottom-right corner.
The defending champions doubled their advantage in the 28th minute. Manglenthang Kipgen's corner caused confusion in the Bhutanese defence, allowing Chinglensana to collect the loose ball and fire home from close range.
India went into the interval with a two-goal cushion, having largely dominated the first half. However, Bhutan returned with renewed determination and pulled one back just three minutes after the restart.
A long free-kick delivery created chaos inside the Indian penalty area, with Chencho Gyeltshen's effort from the left redirected towards goal by Kinzang Tobden, who headed into an unguarded net. The assistant referee initially flagged for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision and the goal was allowed to stand.
VAR was again at the centre of attention in the 65th minute when India were awarded a penalty after substitute Irfan's cross struck Nima Wangdi's hand. However, the referee reversed the decision following an on-field review.
India came close to sealing the victory in the 85th minute when Suhail Bhat produced an impressive solo run before unleashing a right-footed effort that struck the crossbar.
Bhutan continued to search for an equaliser, but India held on to secure their place in the final and keep their hopes of a record-extending 10th SAFF title alive.
The match also marked the first use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system in the history of the competition.
India, who topped Group B with victories over Pakistan (3-2) and the Maldives (1-0), have now reached the final for the 14th time in 15 appearances. They have won the championship nine times and finished runners-up on four occasions.
Naushad Moosa's side will face either hosts Bangladesh or Pakistan in the November 17 final.
Bhutan, meanwhile, bowed out after finishing second in Group A. They began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Bangladesh before drawing 2-2 with Sri Lanka to advance to the semifinals on goal difference.
