SAFF football final today

A new team is guaranteed to lift the title when hosts Bangladesh and Maldives lock horns in the final of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today. The grand finale of the eight-nation meet kicks off at 5:00pm.

India, whose dream for a hattrick of titles was shattered with a 1-2 semifinal defeat against Bangladesh, will play in the consolation third-place decider against Pakistan. That match starts at 2:00pm.

Indian will look for some solace when they meet bitter rivals Pakistan for the second time in the tournament. They lost the group league match 0-1.

But it was be very difficult for coach Stephan Constantine to focus on the match after their heartbreaking defeat against the hosts on Saturday.

There are also more worries for Indian since Ashim Kumar would miss the game due to suspension. The young striker picked up his second yellow card in the semifinal against Bangladesh. Besides, Devjit Gosh would be a doubtful starter. He suffered a calf muscle injury in the previous game.

But the focus will be on Bangladesh and Maldives, the losing finalists of the two previous editions.

Hot favorites Bangladesh will be looking for another victory over the islanders. Earlier, when the two sides met in the group stage the hosts won by a single goal during their fabulous dream run.

Maldives, who over the years have emerged as one of the most improved football nations in the region, will be seeking a reversal of fortune in the crunch match.

Bangladesh Television will cover both the final and position-deciding match live from the big bowl. Bangladesh Betar will provide running commentary.