Defending champions marched on into the semifinals with a 4-1 win over second placed Maldives in the final group stage game of SAFF Suzuki Cup 2015. The game saw an array of attacking chances for both sides, with Maldives finding it difficult to match the defending champions’ skill on the ball in the end.

Captain FaysalShayesteh opened the scoring for Afghanistan, and although Ali Fasir equalized, it wasn’t good enough as the defending champions went on to extend their lead through a brace from OmidPopalzay and a goal from Ahmad Hatifie.

Both sides opted to rest some of their key players going into the match. Top scorer Khaibar Amani, Noraollah Amiri, defender Masih Saighani, and set piece specialist Kanischka Taher dropped to the bench. Maldives opted to leave star striker Ali Ashfaq and the impressive Imaaz Ahmed on the bench with Hassan Naiz and Ahmed Nashid the scorers off the bench in their last game getting a look in the starting XI.

In the end, it wasn’t enough as the match ended 4-1 with Maldives unable to match the energy and technique of their counterparts. The win sees Afghanistan take on Sri Lanka in the semi final, with Maldives poised for a tie against hosts India on December 31. Don't the semifinals live on TOLO TV and Lemar TV.