Pakistan defeats Bangladesh to reach SAFF Championship final amid stadium chaos
Spectators threw smoke flares onto the pitch and set fire to banners in Dhaka after Pakistan secured a 1-0 victory.
Pakistan defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in the second SAFF Championship 2026 semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday, November 14. According to News18, the match ended in disorder as spectators threw smoke flares onto the pitch and set fire to placards in the gallery.
The decisive goal was scored by Abdul Samad in the 86th minute after a defensive error by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon. This victory sent Pakistan into their first-ever SAFF Championship final, while the loss prevented Bangladesh from reaching the final for the first time since 2005.
The atmosphere in the stands was charged, with reports from Bangla Tribune and Prothom Alo noting displays invoking the 1971 Liberation War. Social media images showed posters depicting historical conflict and anti-Pakistan sentiment, including one image of a man carrying the Bangladesh flag while trampling a Pakistani soldier.
Tensions escalated after the Pakistani goal, leading to a five-minute suspension of play when smoke flares were thrown. Bangladesh player Hamza Choudhury reportedly appealed to the crowd to remain calm before play resumed.
Following the final whistle, angry spectators set fire to banners in a section of the gallery. Fire service personnel were called to the stadium to bring the blaze under control. Bangla Tribune also reported that players from both teams had a heated exchange after the match concluded.
