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Defending champions India secured a 3-2 victory over Pakistan in their Group B opening match at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
Defending champions India began their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign with a 3-2 victory over Pakistan in their Group B opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
India established a commanding 3-0 lead during the first half, but Pakistan secured two goals during stoppage time to make for a tense finish. Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice in the first half, and Manglenthang Kipgen added a third goal to give India the lead. Pakistan pulled one back in the 91st minute when Junaid Shah crossed from the left and Najeeb Ullah rose to head the ball past India goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh. Three minutes later, McKeal Abdullah delivered a cross from the right side of the penalty area, and Alamgir Ghazi finished with an acrobatic effort to make it 3-2.
India started the match cautiously, building from the back and looking to establish control in the 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 ball from Kipgen, but the goal was ruled out for offside. A minute later, Muhammad Suhail collected the ball from a throw-in on the left and delivered a precise cross into the penalty area for Bhat to turn home at the six-yard box. In the 19th minute, Suryavanshi played a precise pass through the Pakistan defence, allowing Bhat to break clear and slot a first-time finish past goalkeeper Yousuf Butt. In the 31st minute, Noufal PN released Kipgen behind the defence, and the midfielder finished past the advancing goalkeeper.
Pakistan had an opportunity to reduce the deficit after Suryavanshi brought down Hayyaan Khattak inside the penalty area, but Shayak Dost sent the resulting penalty over the crossbar.
India entered the tournament as the defending champions and the highest-ranked side at 138, though they did not start as favorites. The team is chasing a record-extending 10th football title. Coach Naushad Moosa, who is handling the senior national team for the first time, noted that the team had faced delays, including a four-hour wait to check into their hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday. Moosa stated, “I was told by the coaching staff that we should expect more of such stuff, all being done to irritate the opponents,” and added, “We are ready for all challenges that are thrown at us.”
India played the opener with just 17 players, including two goalkeepers. According to sources, midfielder Vibin Mohanan did not join the camp due to injury, and 10 other players were unavailable due to club engagements in the Indian Super League (ISL). Additionally, the India team played after just two training sessions. Pakistan, ranked 197, arrived without a training session in Dhaka after their luggage remained stuck at Qatar airport.
India has been drawn alongside Pakistan and Maldives in Group B. The Blue Tigers will face Maldives in their second and final group fixture on November 11 at 15:00 at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals. Pakistan is scheduled to face the Maldives on November 8.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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