India survived a second-half fightback from Bhutan to register a 2-1 win in the SAFF Championship 2026 semi-final at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Saturday, 14 November 2026, booking their place in the final and keeping alive their pursuit of a record-extending 10th title.
The Blue Tigers made a fast start. East Bengal winger Vishnu PV opened the scoring in the ninth minute, controlling a superb diagonal pass before beating his marker and finishing calmly past Bhutan goalkeeper Gyeltshen Zangpo. Captain Chinglensana Singh Konsham doubled the lead in the 27th minute, scoring from a corner to give India a comfortable 2-0 advantage at half-time.
Bhutan, appearing in the semi-finals for the first time in 18 years, refused to fold. Kinzang Tashi Tobden pulled one back in the 48th minute, heading home after Chencho Gyeltshen's effort had created danger inside the Indian penalty area, and the second half became a nervy contest as Bhutan pushed for an equaliser. India had one late scare when Tandin Tshewang headed a cross from the left across goal, but the Indian defence held firm to see out the win.
India started strongly and kept mounting pressure after the early opener, and the two-goal cushion at the break reflected a first half they had largely controlled. The second half was a different story: Bhutan fought tooth and nail to find an equaliser, and the Indian defence had to stay firm at the back to protect a close lead until the final whistle.
The Video Assistant Referee, used in the competition for the first time, played a significant role in the semi-final. It overturned the offside decision against Bhutan's goal before cancelling a penalty that had been awarded to India, according to the AIFF.
Head coach Naushad Moosa made four changes to the side that defeated Maldives in the group stage. India controlled long spells of the first half, but Bhutan's much-improved performance after the interval made the defending champions work hard for the victory. India's starting eleven was Arsh Anwer Shaikh, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Vishnu PV, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, Ricky Shabong, Manglenthanga Kipgen, Nikhil Prabhu, Sandip Mandi and Brison Fernandes. Substitutes Irfan Yadwad and Macarton Nickson were introduced in the 64th minute, Abdul Rabeeh in the 78th, and Ebindas Yesudasan and Nathan Rodrigues in stoppage time as India saw out the result.
The win takes India into their 14th SAFF Championship final in 15 appearances. The defending champions will face the winner of the other semi-final between hosts Bangladesh and Pakistan in the final at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday, 17 November.
India vs Bhutan 2-1: Brief Scores
| Match | India vs Bhutan, SAFF Championship 2026 semi-final |
| Date | Saturday, 14 November 2026 |
| Venue | National Stadium, Dhaka, Bangladesh |
| Result | India 2-1 Bhutan |
| India scorers | Vishnu PV 9', Chinglensana Singh Konsham 27' |
| Bhutan scorer | Kinzang Tashi Tobden 48' |
| Final | India vs Bangladesh/Pakistan winner, 17 November 2026 |