Pakistan chase SAFF Cup history

Their arrival, however, gives coach Nolberto Solano additional options against a Bangladesh side that has yet to concede a goal in the tournament.Pakistan advanced to the semi-finals as Group B runners-up with three points and a goal difference of plus two.

They scored five goals and conceded three across their two matches, finishing behind India, who collected six points from two victories.Pakistan began their campaign with a 3-2 defeat against India despite showing attacking promise.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice, while Kipgen added a third in the 32nd minute.Solano's side responded emphatically in their next outing, beating the Maldives 3-0.

Teenage striker Najeeb Ullah Khan, 19, scored twice in the first half as Pakistan secured the points needed to strengthen their qualification hopes.Their place in the semi-finals was confirmed after India edged the Maldives 1-0, with Suhail converting a 38th-minute penalty.

Pakistan consequently finished second in the group, while the Maldives were eliminated after losing both matches.Bangladesh, meanwhile, head into the contest unbeaten and with the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters.

They opened their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Bhutan, courtesy of substitute Mohammad Ibrahim, before progressing to the semi-finals following a 2-2 draw between Sri Lanka and Bhutan.The hosts further underlined their attacking strength with a 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka.

Shamit Shome, Hamza Choudhury, Farhaan Ali Wahid and Rakib Hossain were among the scorers as Bangladesh strengthened their credentials as title contenders.Pakistan will need to remain defensively disciplined while making the most of their attacking opportunities against a confident opponent.

The arrival of the overseas contingent could prove important as Solano looks to improve his team's chances of reaching the final.Bangladesh are chasing their second SAFF Championship title, having last lifted the trophy in 2003.

Pakistan chase SAFF Cup history Hamza Khan | Updated 6 minutes ago | Green-shirts face Bangladesh in the semi-final in Dhaka on Satruday.

22Media International — Pakistan, world and bilingual digital newsroom coverage.