SAFF Championships wrap: Afghanistan, India cruise into semis

Afghanistan and India both secured semi-final berths at the South Asian Football Championships after comfortable wins on Wednesday.

The Afghans booked their spot in the last four and earned top spot in Group A thanks to an 8-1 drubbing of Bhutan in New Delhi.

Afghnaistan were two goals up inside the first 10 minutes – Ata Yamrali opening the scoring before Zohib Amiri made it 2-0.

A swift double from Balal Arezou put the Afghans 4-0 up and already out of sight.

Bhutan did pull a goal back midway through the first half, when Chencho slotted home.

But Arezou completed his hat-trick on the stroke of halftime to put Afghanistan 5-1 up at the break.

Second half goals from Djelaludin Sharitar and Mohammad Masriqi extended the lead, before Arezou got his fourth to complete the rout.

Elsewhere, India defeated neighbours Sri Lanka 3-0 to secure second spot in the group.

The first half was a drab affair but it was India who eventually took the lead shortly after the break.

Jeje Lalpek opening the scoring to the delight of the home fans, before star player Sunil Chhetri added a second for India which all but booked their place in the semi-finals.

A late own goal from Sri Lanka’s Bandara made it 3-0 to the hosts.

India will now meet Group B winners the Maldives in the semi-finals, while Afghanistan face Nepal.