Bangladesh lose to Pakistan in SAFF futsal; runners-up hopes fade

Bangladesh’s campaign in the SAFF Futsal Championship took a major hit after a 5-1 defeat to Pakistan in their penultimate group match in Bangkok on Thursday.

The loss dropped Bangladesh to third in the seven-team table with seven points from five matches, three behind Pakistan, while Maldives top the standings with 12 from four matches.

Bangladesh came into the clash off back-to-back wins over Sri Lanka and Bhutan, following a 6-1 defeat to Maldives and a 4-4 draw against India.

At Nonthaburi Stadium, Pakistan dominated from the start, opening the scoring before adding four more goals, including three in just four minutes in the second half.

Bangladesh will conclude their campaign against Nepal on Saturday, while Pakistan face a struggling India on Tuesday. 

A large win for Bangladesh, coupled with a heavy defeat for Pakistan, could still see the hosts climb to second in the table.