Football Football SAFF C'ship: Host Bangladesh inches closer to the semis Bangladesh, now, is sitting at the top of the group. Pakistan and Nepal both have a chance to catch up if they win their next group fixtures. Team Sportstar Dhaka 07 September, 2018 11:21 IST Bangladesh came out with three points on Thursday after it downed Pakistan 1-0 at the SAFF Championships. - SAFF Team Sportstar Dhaka 07 September, 2018 11:21 IST 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 ChampionshipBangladesh 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. Support Sportstar Dear Reader, Support our journalism — where text and pictures intermingle so seamlessly — and help us scale up your experience as the world changes around us. Your contribution is vital to our brand of uninfluenced, boots-on-the-ground reportage that’s worth your while. Clickbait sensationalism is not for us, but editorial independence is — we owe it to you. Support Quality Journalism Subscribe to our daily newsletter Get your daily dose of Sportstar with handpicked stories delivered right to your inbox! SUBSCRIBE Please enter a valid email address. Dugout videos