SAFF Championship semifinal between Bangladesh and Pakistan briefly halted after fans throw flares on the pitch

The flare was thrown on the pitch near the Pakistan goal. | Photo Credit: Screengrab

The SAFF Championship 2026 semifinal between Bangladesh and Pakistan came to an unceremonious end in Dhaka on Saturday as the home fans threw flares onto the field.

The home team conceded a late goal in the last-four match and was on the cusp of losing when the supporters decided to express their frustration and throw a flare.

The incident occurred near the Pakistan goal and the game had to be briefly paused to allow a member of the ground staff to get the flare off the pitch. The players on the pitch avoided any injury.

Bangladesh captain Hamza Choudhury then urged the fans to not disrupt the proceedings in the middle before the game could commence again.

The visiting side was able to hold onto its slender lead and book a place against India in the final, set to be played at the same venue on Tuesday.