Dhaka, Nov 5: Defending champions India opened their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign on a winning note, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 3-2 in an entertaining Group B encounter at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, November 5.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat starred for the Blue Tigers, finding the net twice in the opening half before Manglenthang Kipgen added another goal to put India firmly in control. However, Pakistan produced a late fightback with two stoppage-time strikes through Najeeb Ullah and Alamgir Ghazi, making the closing moments nervy for the Indian side.

India started the contest patiently, focusing on retaining possession and building attacks through the midfield. Bhat initially thought he had given his side the lead in the 12th minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The forward found the breakthrough just a minute later. Muhammad Suhail collected possession from a throw-in on the left flank before delivering an excellent cross into the danger area. Bhat made the perfect run and converted from close range to put India ahead.

The defending champions doubled their advantage in the 19th minute through another well-worked attacking move. Abhishek Suryavanshi produced a perfectly weighted through ball to release Bhat behind the Pakistani defence. The striker kept his composure and finished past goalkeeper Yousuf Butt with a first-time effort.

India continued to exploit spaces in the opposition backline and extended their advantage in the 31st minute. Noufal PN initiated the move with a forward run before setting up Kipgen, who raced into the penalty area and calmly beat the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Pakistan missed an opportunity to reduce the deficit when Shayak Dost sent a penalty over the crossbar after Suryavanshi fouled Hayyaan Khattak inside the box. Bhat nearly completed his hat-trick before the interval, but his long-range attempt narrowly missed the target.

India maintained their dominance after the restart, creating several opportunities to increase their lead. Adison Singh Thokchom was denied in a one-on-one situation, while Kipgen and Farukh Choudhary also came close.

However, Pakistan refused to surrender and dramatically reduced the deficit during stoppage time. Najeeb Ullah headed home Junaid Shah’s delivery in the 91st minute before Ghazi produced an acrobatic finish from McKeal Abdullah’s cross three minutes later.

Despite the late scare, India held on to claim their opening three points. The Blue Tigers will next face Maldives on November 11 at 3:00 PM at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semifinals.