India defeated Bhutan 2-1 in Dhaka to book a place in the SAFF Championship final
P.V. Vishnu opened the scoring in the eighth minute after controlling a long diagonal ball
Chinglensana Singh doubled India’s lead in the 27th minute from close range
Defending champions India beat Bhutan 2-1 to enter the SAFF Championship final in Dhaka on Saturday, November 14, 2026. P.V. Vishnu and Chinglensana Singh scored in a win.
Bhutan pulled one back in the 48th minute when Tobden headed home after Gyeltshen’s effort from inside the box. VAR overturned the initial offside call. The match marked the first use of the system in the SAFF Championship.
The result sends India into the title clash as they defend the crown. India fielded their U-23 reserve side under head coach Naushad Moosa because the senior team are in New Zealand for friendly matches.
Early India Advantage
India struck early.
Vishnu opened the scoring in the eighth minute. He controlled a long diagonal ball, shifted it to his right foot and slotted it past the Bhutan goalkeeper.
India doubled the lead in the 27th minute. Chinglensana smashed home from close range after Bhutan failed to clear a corner delivered by Kipgen.
Bhutan Fightback
Bhutan responded soon after the break.
Tobden headed in during the 48th minute after Gyeltshen’s effort from inside the box. VAR overturned the initial offside decision and the goal stood.
The intervention marked a historic first. The match was the SAFF Championship’s debut for the Video Assistant Referee system.
Squad And Final
India fielded the U-23 reserve squad as the senior team are currently engaged in friendly matches in New Zealand.
India will now face either hosts Bangladesh or Pakistan in the final on November 17.
