Bangladesh took a firm step towards the semifinals of the Suzuki SAFF Championship when they beat Pakistan 1-0 at the Bangabandhu National Stadium today. Defender Tapu Barman scored the all-important goal in the 85th minute with a tumbling header off a Bishwanath long throw from the left. The tall defender also scored the opening goal in Bangladesh’s 2-0 win against Bhutan on Tuesday. With this win Bangladesh lead Group A with maximum six points from two games. Pakistan and Nepal jointly occupy the second position with three points each from two games. Bangladesh will take on Nepal, who thrashed Bhutan 4-0 in the first game of the day, in their last group league game on Saturday.