Bangladesh reach SAFF semi-final if Bhutan lose

The equation for Bangladesh to reach the SAFF semi-final could be a simple one. The hosts may not even have to take the field for their path to the last four to open up — it will come from the result of the Sri Lanka-Bhutan match.

If Bhutan fail to win their 8pm clash, Bangladesh will be assured of a semi-final place from Group A with a match still in hand.

Bangladesh are already on their way after beating Bhutan. For Sri Lanka, the equation is even simpler — win and they are through.

Even if the Bhutan-Sri Lanka match ends in a draw, Bangladesh need not worry about the semi-final. After two matches, both teams would have one point each, and Bangladesh's three points would be beyond their reach.

Even after this draw, however, Bhutan would retain a slim chance of finishing as group runners-up. For that, Bangladesh would have to beat Sri Lanka by more than one goal on 11 November. Then, on goal difference, Bhutan could have a chance of finishing second ahead of Sri Lanka.

So the equation is clear for Bhutan — they must win. A win would take them level with Bangladesh on three points and keep their semi-final hopes alive until the final match.

In the day's first match, Maldives and Pakistan meet at 3:30pm.

To draw spectators to the ground, TSA, the tournament's rights-holder, has halved ticket prices for today's two matches.

Expatriate footballers Hamza Chowdhury and Farhan Ali will arrive in Dhaka on 9 November to join the SAFF Championship squad. They are expected to join the national team's training the same day.

At the same time, there is a chance that experienced defender Topu Barman will return from injury for the match against Sri Lanka.