Quick Facts
Introduction
Pakistan beat Maldives 3-0 in Dhaka with Najeebullah Bettani scoring twice. See the match report, Group B table and what Pakistan need to reach the semi-finals.
Three days after a painful defeat to India, Pakistan's footballers produced exactly the response they needed. Pakistan vs Maldives finished 3-0 in Dhaka on Sunday, the Green Shirts' first win of the SAFF Championship 2026 and a result that puts them on the edge of the last four.
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How Pakistan Won the Game in the First Half
Pakistan started on the front foot and were rewarded inside four minutes when they won a penalty. McKeal Abdullah stayed calm and converted from the spot.
The second goal was the pick of the build-up. Junaid Shah delivered a fine cross from the left, and Najeebullah Bettani timed his run into the box perfectly, getting ahead of his marker to poke the ball home. His second was entirely different. With Pakistan defending deep, a clearance came forward to him on the right. He controlled it, drove forward and hit a powerful shot past the Maldives goalkeeper.
Both teams looked for more in the second half, but there were no further goals. Pakistan had done their work before the interval.
| Stat | Pakistan | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 3 | 0 |
| Shots | 15 | 7 |
| Shots on target | 5 | 1 |
Maldives had slightly more possession, according to Dawn, but they created very little. Pakistan's attack was simply much more direct and effective.
A Strong Reply After the India Match
Pakistan opened their campaign on 5 November with a 3-2 defeat to India. They were 3-0 down at half-time in that game, before Bettani and Alamgir Ghazi scored in stoppage time to make the score respectable. That late fight clearly carried over. Against Maldives, Pakistan looked like a team with confidence and a plan.
Bettani's form is an important development. He has now scored in both games and looks like the forward who can turn half-chances into goals at this level.
Can Pakistan Reach the Semi-Finals?
The 2026 SAFF Championship runs from 5 to 17 November in Bangladesh, with six teams split into two groups. The top two from each group go through to the semi-finals.
| Group A | Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan |
|---|---|
| Group B | Pakistan, India, Maldives |
| Remaining Group B game | India vs Maldives, 11 November |
Pakistan have finished their group matches and must now wait for that final fixture. Dawn notes that Maldives would need a substantial win over India to overtake Pakistan in the standings. Any other outcome should see Pakistan and India both go through.
For a team that has had a difficult few years on and off the pitch, reaching the last four would be a meaningful step. Follow more updates in our sports section, and see how Pakistan's Under-19 cricketers also enjoyed a big win on Sunday.
FAQs
What was the Pakistan vs Maldives score?
Pakistan won 3-0 in Group B of the SAFF Championship in Dhaka on 8 November 2026.
Who scored Pakistan's goals?
McKeal Abdullah scored a penalty and Najeebullah Bettani scored twice.
Has Pakistan qualified for the semi-finals?
Not yet confirmed. Pakistan must wait for India vs Maldives on 11 November.
Sources: Dawn, The Express Tribune.
Conclusion
Review the official sources, dates and eligibility conditions mentioned in this article before taking action. For more related updates, explore the category links above.
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