India's Men's Football Team Advances to SAFF Championship Final

India, 3 January 2026 — The Indian men's football team has secured its place in the final of the SAFF Championship after a decisive victory over Bangladesh in the semi-final match held on Monday in Kathmandu, Nepal. India triumphed with a score of 3-1, showcasing a strong performance with goals from Sunil Chhetri, Anirudh Thapa, and Manvir Singh.

The match started with intense competition, but India gained the upper hand early on with Sunil Chhetri scoring the opening goal in the 20th minute. Bangladesh attempted to equalize, but India's defense remained resilient.

Anirudh Thapa extended India's lead in the 48th minute with a well-placed shot, followed by Manvir Singh who sealed the victory with a third goal in the 75th minute. Bangladesh managed to score a consolation goal in the 85th minute.

This victory propels India into the final, where they will face either Nepal or Maldives, who are set to play their semi-final later today. The Indian team, led by coach Igor Stimac, aims to clinch the title once again, having won the championship multiple times in the past.

The SAFF Championship is a vital tournament for South Asian teams, providing them an opportunity to compete at a regional level and gain valuable experience. India's consistent performance in the tournament highlights their growing prowess in football within the region.