India Beat Pakistan 3-2 in Thrilling SAFF Championship Opener
Defending champions India began their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign on a winning note, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 3-2 in a thrilling Group B encounter at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday, November 5.
India looked firmly in control after scoring three goals in the first half, but Pakistan’s late comeback turned the closing moments into a tense affair. Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice, while Manglenthang Kipgen added another goal to secure all three points for the Blue Tigers.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat Leads India’s First-Half Dominance
India started the match with confidence, maintaining possession and creating attacking opportunities through precise passing and effective movement.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat opened the scoring in the 13th minute after Muhammad Suhail delivered a well-placed ball into the penalty area. Bhat arrived at the right moment to convert the opportunity and give India an early advantage.
The forward doubled India’s lead in the 19th minute. Abhishek Suryavanshi produced an excellent through ball that split Pakistan’s defence, allowing Bhat to run through and finish calmly past goalkeeper Yousuf Butt.
India continued to dominate proceedings and extended their lead to 3-0 in the 31st minute. Noufal PN played a defence-splitting pass to Manglenthang Kipgen, who made a decisive run and finished the move successfully.
Pakistan had an opportunity to reduce the deficit before half-time after earning a penalty. However, Shayak Dost sent his spot-kick over the crossbar, allowing India to maintain their comfortable three-goal lead.
Pakistan Fight Back in the Closing Minutes
India continued to control the match after the break and created several opportunities to increase their advantage.
Adison Singh Thokchom came close to scoring but was denied by Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt. Kipgen and Farukh Choudhary also had opportunities, but India could not find the net again.
Pakistan appeared unlikely to threaten India’s lead until the closing stages of the match.
In the 91st minute, Najeeb Ullah scored with a powerful header following a cross from Junaid Shah, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
Pakistan continued their attack and scored again in the 94th minute. Alamgir Ghazi produced an impressive acrobatic finish after receiving a cross from McKeal Abdullah, bringing the score to 3-2.
The late goals created a dramatic finish, but India managed to hold on and secure the victory.
India Begin Their Title Defence Successfully
The victory gives India a valuable three points in their opening Group B fixture and strengthens their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
Despite fielding a relatively young and second-string squad, India demonstrated their attacking quality and ability to control the game against Pakistan. However, conceding two goals in stoppage time will be an area of concern for head coach Naushad Moosa.
India will next face the Maldives on November 11 at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.
With an opening victory secured, the defending champions will look to build momentum and continue their pursuit of another SAFF Championship title.
