Dhaka, Nov. 14 -- Defending champions India have reached the SAFF Championship final for the 14th time after surviving a second-half fightback to beat Bhutan 2-1 in Dhaka.

First-half goals from Vishnu PV and Chinglensana Singh Konsham put the nine-time champions in control at the National Stadium on Saturday, but Bhutan threatened a comeback after Kinzang Tashi Tobden pulled a goal back shortly after the restart.

The match also marked the first use of video assistant referee (VAR) technology in SAFF Championship history, with two decisions going Bhutan's way.

India made a flying start, taking the lead in the eighth minute when Vishnu controlled Khaiminthang Lhungdim's free-kick with his first touch, beat a defender and fired home with ...