India Edge Pakistan 3-2 in High-Voltage SAFF Opener
Defending champions India secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Pakistan in their SAFF Championship 2026 Group B opener in Dhaka.
Defending champions India kicked off their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. In a Group B clash held at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Blue Tigers dominated the early proceedings to build a commanding lead before weathering a late storm from the Pakistani side to secure three vital points.
First-Half Blitz: India Takes Control
India entered the match with a cautious approach, focusing on patient build-up from the back and establishing midfield dominance, with Abhishek Suryavanshi playing a pivotal role in a deep position. The breakthrough came early, although the first attempt by Suhail Ahmad Bhat in the 12th minute was ruled out for offside after he connected with an aerial ball from Manglenthang Kipgen.
The wait was short-lived. Just a minute later, Muhammad Suhail drove forward from a throw-in on the left and delivered a precise ball into the penalty area. Bhat was perfectly positioned in the six-yard box to turn the ball home, giving India a 1-0 lead.
The momentum stayed with the Blue Tigers, and by the 19th minute, the lead was doubled. As Pakistan retreated deeper into their own half, Suryavanshi pushed further up the pitch and threaded a line-breaking pass through the defense. Bhat timed his run to perfection, beating the backline to slot a first-time finish into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Yousuf Butt with no chance.
India continued to exploit the gaps in the Pakistani defense, adding a third goal in the 31st minute. Noufal PN carried the ball through the center before releasing Kipgen with a pass in behind; the midfielder capitalized on the opportunity, finishing past the advancing Butt to make it 3-0.
Missed Opportunities and Near Hat-Tricks
Pakistan had a golden opportunity to get back into the game when Suryavanshi fouled Hayyaan Khattak inside the penalty area. However, the resulting spot-kick was sent sailing over the crossbar by Shayak Dost, preserving India's three-goal cushion.
Just before the whistle for halftime, Suhail Ahmad Bhat nearly completed a hat-trick. Cutting in from the right in the 45th minute, he unleashed a powerful left-footed strike from outside the box that narrowly missed the target, leaving Butt rooted to the spot.
Second Half Drama: Pakistan's Late Surge
India maintained control after the restart, creating several chances to put the game beyond reach. Adison Singh Thokchom was denied in a one-on-one encounter with Butt, while both Kipgen and Farukh saw their attempts miss the target. Despite the pressure, Naushad Moosa's side could not find a fourth goal.
As the match entered stoppage time, Pakistan suddenly found a second wind. In the 91st minute, Junaid Shah delivered a cross from the left, allowing Najeeb Ullah to rise highest and head the ball past Arsh Anwer Shaikh.
The tension peaked three minutes later when Pakistan scored again. McKeal Abdullah crossed from the right side of the penalty area, and Alamgir Ghazi controlled the ball before finishing with a spectacular acrobatic effort to bring the score to 3-2.
What's Next for the Blue Tigers?
Despite the late scare, India held firm to claim the win. The defending champions now turn their attention to their final Group B fixture against the Maldives, scheduled for November 11 at 15:00 at the National Stadium in Dhaka. With the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals, this victory provides India with a significant advantage in their quest to retain the title.