Bangladesh captain Hamza Choudhury urged supporters not to blame any individual after a late mistake condemned the hosts to a 1-0 semifinal defeat against Pakistan in the SAFF Championship at the National Stadium on Saturday.

Abdul Samad Shahzad struck four minutes from time to break Bangladesh hearts and end their hopes of reaching the final for the first time since 2005.

The defeat was particularly painful for the hosts, who had kept Pakistan at bay for most of the contest before goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon's misplaced throw-out gifted the visitors their decisive opportunity.

Hamza, visibly distraught after the final whistle, described the defeat as a devastating blow not only for the players but also for the supporters and the entire nation.

"Very, very, very heartbreaking. It is a huge heartbreak, not just for us, obviously for the fans and the nation. But it is the mercy of Allah, what else can I say," Hamza told reporters in the mixed zone.

With Srabon's error proving costly, the Bangladesh skipper was quick to defend his teammate, insisting that the responsibility for the defeat should not rest on any one player.

"People cannot blame any of us. We all played 11 versus 11, so no one can blame any individual," he said.

Hamza also rejected suggestions that Pakistan had deliberately conserved energy in the first half, arguing that the visitors had instead changed their approach after the interval.

"No, no, no, I don't think so. I think they changed their game plan during half-time," he said.

The midfielder felt Pakistan had offered little attacking threat for much of the game but had made their one clear opportunity count.

"Still, they only created one chance and couldn't create anything else. And that's football, isn't it? They took that one chance and scored a goal, so what else," Hamza added.

Bangladesh had opportunities to take control of the contest, particularly in the first half, but failed to convert them. Their profligacy ultimately proved costly as Pakistan capitalised on a late defensive lapse to book a place in their maiden SAFF final.

For Bangladesh, meanwhile, the defeat extended their wait for another final appearance, having last reached the title decider in 2005. Their hopes of ending a 23-year wait for the regional crown, last won in 2003, also remain unfulfilled.