Bangladesh are dreaming of reaching the SAFF Championship final after a 21-year wait, but Pakistan stand between Hamza Chowdhury and his teammates and a place in the title decider. The two sides will meet in the semifinal at Dhaka’s National Stadium on Saturday (November 14), with kick-off scheduled for 8:30pm.

Bangladesh last reached the SAFF final in 2005. More than two decades later, the team are hoping that Hamza Chowdhury, Farhan Ali Wahid, Shamit Som, Rakib Hossain, Tariq Kazi and Jamal Bhuiyan can help revive their title ambitions.

The South Asian football tournament has returned to Dhaka after eight years. Before dreaming of lifting the trophy on home soil, however, Bangladesh must overcome Pakistan in the semifinal.

The two teams last met in a SAFF semifinal in 2005, when Bangladesh defeated Pakistan 1-0 at Karachi’s Peoples Stadium. Defender Sujan Hossain scored the decisive goal.

Since then, they have not faced each other in a SAFF semifinal. They did meet in the group stages of the 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2018 editions.

Bangladesh won their first two encounters with Pakistan, in 1999 and 2005. Pakistan then held Bangladesh to draws in 2009 and 2011 before recording their first victory over the team in the 2013 SAFF Championship. Bangladesh got the better of Pakistan again in 2018.

Across all competitions, including the Quaid-e-Azam International Tournament, World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies, the sides have met 18 times. Bangladesh have won eight matches, Pakistan five, while five ended in draws. Saturday’s semifinal will be their 19th meeting.

Despite home advantage, familiar conditions and strong support from the stands, Bangladesh cannot afford to underestimate Pakistan. The visitors have talented players of their own who can change the course of a match at any moment.

Former stars back Bangladesh’s final hopes

Bangladesh’s 4-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the group stage has raised expectations among supporters. Former national team players Rokonuzzaman Kanchan and Zahid Hasan Emily have also expressed confidence that the team can reach the final and challenge for the title.

Emily, who played a key role in taking Bangladesh to the 2005 SAFF final, believes the current squad has the ability to win both the semifinal and the final.

“I believe Bangladesh will win the semifinal and the final as well. The team played brilliantly against Sri Lanka. That match showcased Hamza and his teammates’ abilities. Hamza, Farhan and Shamit have tremendous talent. We are waiting to see them take Bangladesh to the final once again,” Emily told Shomoyer Alo.

However, he also described Pakistan as a difficult opponent and said overcoming them would make the title challenge easier.

Kanchan, a member of Bangladesh’s 2003 SAFF-winning team, said he had been disappointed after the team's performance against Bhutan but had become optimistic following the arrival of Hamza and Farhan.

“After the way we defeated Sri Lanka, I can say that we will not only beat Pakistan and reach the final, but also win the SAFF Championship,” he said.

Kanchan recalled Bangladesh’s 2005 semifinal victory over Pakistan and expressed confidence that Hamza’s team could repeat that achievement.

He also said the arrival of Hamza and Farhan had strengthened the forward line, while Ibrahim, Rakib and Shamit were in good form.

“I am 100% confident of victory. I have already started dreaming of winning the title at home once again. I am certain the team will lift the trophy under Hamza’s leadership,” he said.

Bangladesh’s long wait for another title

Bangladesh last won the SAFF Championship in 2003, defeating the Maldives on penalties in the final on home soil. Kanchan played a major role in that campaign, scoring against India in the semifinal and the Maldives in the final.

The team also reached the final in 2005, but have not returned to the tournament’s title decider since then.

With a convincing win over Sri Lanka behind them, Bangladesh now face a crucial test against Pakistan. A victory would take Hamza and his teammates one step closer to ending the long wait for another SAFF final appearance.