SAFF C'ship: Host Bangladesh inches closer to the semis

An 85th-minute header from Topu Barman saw host Bangladesh sailing closer to the semifinals of the SAFF Championships as it downed Pakistan 1-0 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium on Thursday.

In its next match, Bangladesh faces Nepal, where it needs at least a draw to seal the semis' berth.

Topu, who also found the net against Bhutan, handed the Tigers their second consecutive win, avoiding what looked like going towards a stalemate, with his goal as the stadium erupted in joy. Subsequently, he was booked for his shirtless celebration.

READ: Nepal off the mark in SAFF Championship

Bangladesh came close to conceding early when striker Muhammad Ali headed Shabaz Younas' cross from the right flank in the eighth minute. However, goalkeeper Shahidul Alam was quick to deflect the well-directed shot.

Post half-time, Bangladesh looked well organised. The host again, survived a scare in the 55th minute when Muhammad Ali won the ball and dashed into the box from the left. However,the attempt was well deflected.