Daijiworld Media Network - Dhaka
Dhaka, Nov 5: Defending champions India began their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign on a winning note, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 3-2 in their Group B opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice in the first half, while Manglenthang Kipgen added another goal to give India a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time. Pakistan staged a late fightback with two stoppage-time goals through Najeeb Ullah and Alamgir Ghazi, but India held on to secure all three points.
India started cautiously, building their attacks from the back and seeking control in midfield, with Abhishek Suryavanshi operating in a deep role. Bhat thought he had opened the scoring in the 12th minute after connecting with an aerial delivery from Kipgen, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
The Indian forward made amends a minute later. Muhammad Suhail collected the ball from a throw-in on the left, advanced forward and delivered an accurate cross into the penalty area. Bhat arrived at the six-yard box and turned the ball into the net to put India ahead.
India doubled their lead in the 19th minute, with Suryavanshi providing a brilliant assist. As Pakistan retreated deeper into their half, the midfielder moved further forward and played a precise pass through the defence. Bhat timed his run perfectly, broke clear of the backline and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Yousuf Butt into the far corner.
The Blue Tigers continued to exploit gaps behind Pakistan's defence and scored their third goal in the 31st minute. Noufal PN carried the ball through the middle before releasing Kipgen with a well-timed pass. The midfielder ran onto the delivery and beat the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Pakistan had an opportunity to reduce the deficit when Suryavanshi brought down Hayyaan Khattak inside the penalty area. However, Shayak Dost sent the resulting penalty over the crossbar, allowing India to maintain their three-goal advantage.
Bhat came close to completing his hat-trick just before the break. Cutting in from the right in the 45th minute, he unleashed a left-footed shot from outside the box, but the effort went narrowly wide with goalkeeper Butt rooted to his spot.
India continued to dominate proceedings after the restart and created several opportunities to extend their lead. Adison Singh Thokchom was denied by Butt in a one-on-one situation, while Kipgen and Farukh also had attempts that failed to find the target.
However, Naushad Moosa's side could not add to their first-half tally as the match progressed.
Pakistan managed to stage a late comeback in stoppage time. Junaid Shah delivered a cross from the left in the 91st minute, and Najeeb Ullah rose highest to head the ball past Indian goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh, who had been largely untested throughout the match.
Pakistan scored again three minutes later when McKeal Abdullah sent in a cross from the right side of the penalty area. Alamgir Ghazi controlled the delivery before finishing with an acrobatic effort to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
Despite the late scare, India held on to register a winning start to their title defence.
India will next face the Maldives in their final Group B fixture on November 11 at the same venue. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals.