India win a thriller

India were made to work hard by Maldives in the first semifinal of the Suzuki SAFF Cup, but they eventually held on in a nail-biting to secure a 3-2 win. In the second semifinal, Afghanistan made light work of Sri Lanka, easing to a 5-0 win.

India dominated the first semifinal from the onset and scored off a corner in the 12th minute as Arnab Mondal's shot from inside the box struck Hali Charan before going into the net. However, amidst the celebrations the linesman had raised his flag for offside and India were denied.

The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and it finally paid off for them in the 24th minute as an unmarked Suni Chhetri headed in from 5 yards after Hali Charan played a good cross to find him.

Nine minutes later India doubled their lead when Charan played a wonderful ball over the Maldivian defence to find Lalpekhlua, who made no mistake from close range.

On the stroke of half-time, a lapse in concentration cost India dearly, as maaz Ahmed's lay off inside the box was converted by Ahmed Nashid to make it 2-1.

India again gained the foothold in the second hald and extended their lead in the 65th minute. Chhetri played a pass inside the box to Lapekhlua, who outmanoeuvred his defender before beating the keeper. Maldives again pulled one back in the 75th minute as Ali Amdhan headed in from a corner.

Withstanding some pressure, India held off Maldives to secure a spot against Afghanistan in the final.

In the second semifinal, the Lions of Khorasan were unperturbed by the Lankans, who however held on until the stroke of half-time. But once Sayed Mohammed Hashemi scored for Afghanistan in stoppage time of the first half, the floodgates opened.

Six minutes into the second half, Kanischka Taher doubled the lead before Khaibar Amani scored from the spot five minutes later. In the 78th minute, Afghanistan scored again as Ahmad Hatifi headed in Taher's cross. They added another in the 89th minute to complete the rout.