With the group stages of the SAFF Suzuki Cup nearing to a close, all sorts of permutations can be run on which teams are going through to the semi-finals of the competition.

With all four sides of Group A (Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan) having something to play for including Bhutan who will need a miracle to qualify, the SAFF Suzuki Cup seems to be finely poised ahead of the final match day of group A.

Bangladesh Having taken maximum points from their two matches, the high flying hosts will be on dreamland ahead of their final group stage match against Nepal.

But with the others teams around them also smelling blood, the hosts will want at least a point in the match against Nepal to absolutely confirm their place in the semi-finals of the competition.

A loss against Nepal might be curtains for the hosts with Pakistan playing a rather feeble Bhutan side.

Nepal

A blunt looking attacking force of Nepal has finally found their rhythm with their 4-0 thrashing against Bhutan and will look to continue their winning momentum in their final match.

A clear winner in the match between Pakistan and Bangladesh means Nepal need not less than three points in the final match against Bangladesh with their neighbors Bhutan highly unlikely to stop Pakistan’s onslaught.

All three points will also probably seal the top spot in the groups for Nepal (if Pakistan wins by a margin of 3 goals or less against Bhutan) and also potentially pass up the mighty rivals India in the semis.

Pakistan

After all the controversies of the pitch, Pakistan definitely seems to enjoying their football on it and wiil be keen to reach to the final round of the competition.

Pakistan wiil be the clear favorites against Bhutan but will not be taking their opposition lightly. Also they will need to improve their goal difference and better Bangladesh’s if Nepal win their match against Bangladesh. A draw may also take them through if Bangladesh defeats Nepal.

Bhutan can provide a helping hand for Nepal

Bhutan hasn’t had the best of the competition conceding six without a reply in the recent two matches but can do Nepal a favour if they get anything from the match against Pakistan. A share of the spoils in this match will mean Nepal will qualify as group runners up by taking a point against Bangladesh and if Bhutan a definite improved side in the recent years can pull off a surprise victory means a worse case result for Nepal might be enough to see us through to the last four. In another highly unlikely scenario Bhutan themselves can go through if they beat Pakistan and Bangladesh beat Nepal by a combine goal difference of 9.

Also, only a single venue for the competition means Nepal and Bangladesh will exactly know what they will need to come up with as Pakistan against Bhutan in the earliest kick off.

Pakistan Vs Bhutan is scheduled for 8th September 4:00pm local time. Nepal Vs Bangladesh is scheduled for 8th September 7:00pm local time.


Arjun Aryal, contributor to GoalNepal.com