Defending champion India began its SAFF Championship campaign on a winning note, defeating Pakistan 3-2 in a Group B fixture held in Dhaka on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The match saw India command the proceedings for much of the game, although a late rally from Pakistan ensured a tense finish for the defending titleholders.
India established total dominance early in the first half, spearheaded by a clinical attacking display. Suhail Ahmad Bhat emerged as the standout performer for the team, finding the back of the net twice in the opening twenty minutes. His first goal arrived in the 13th minute, followed quickly by his second strike in the 19th minute, putting India firmly in control. Manglenthang Kipgen further extended India's lead in the 31st minute, sending the team into the halftime interval with a comfortable 3-0 advantage.
The second half appeared to be heading toward a one-sided result as India maintained its tactical discipline. However, Pakistan mounted a significant challenge deep into the match. During the extended period of stoppage time, Najeeb Ullah found the net to give Pakistan their first goal, which was followed shortly after by a strike from teammate Alamgir Ghazi in the 90+4 minute. While these late goals narrowed the margin, India successfully managed the remaining moments to secure the win.
The victory comes at a time when the Indian team is navigating significant squad limitations. Coach Naushad Moosa had only 17 players available for this opening clash. This shortage is attributed to the fact that the current tournament period does not fall within the official FIFA match window, which runs from November 9 to 17. Consequently, several Indian Super League (ISL) clubs have yet to release their players for national duty.
The administrative hurdle regarding player availability is expected to be resolved shortly. Reports indicate that the clubs are likely to release the remaining players ahead of India's next group stage engagement. India is scheduled to face the Maldives on November 11, and the team management will be looking to bolster their ranks with a fuller squad for that encounter.
This opening result serves as a critical boost for India as they look to defend their title in the regional competition. The match, which concluded 3-2 in favour of India, highlights both the team's potent offensive capabilities and the potential vulnerabilities that can arise during the closing minutes of a high-stakes fixture. The coaching staff will likely look to address the late defensive lapses as they prepare for the upcoming matches in the tournament.
For Pakistan, despite the loss, the resilience shown in the final minutes provides a foundation to build upon for their remaining group games. As the SAFF Championship progresses, the performance in Dhaka will be analyzed by both camps as they contend for the top spots in Group B. Supporters of the Indian side will be encouraged by the depth shown by the available 17-man squad, even as they await the arrival of their full roster for the next match against the Maldives.
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