India head coach Naushad Moosa acknowledged both the promise and the pitfalls after his side edged Pakistan 3-2 in their SAFF Championship 2026 opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, 6 November 2026. While India dominated for long stretches and built a commanding 3-0 lead, two goals conceded in stoppage time served as a sharp reminder of the work still ahead.

How India Built the Lead

Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice in the first half to put India firmly in control, while Manglenthang Kipgen added a third in the 31st minute to make it 3-0. The young Indian side showed sharp attacking intent and disciplined organisation through most of the contest, creating multiple chances and largely dictating the tempo against a competitive Pakistan outfit.

Stoppage-Time Jitters Overshadow the Win

Pakistan pulled two goals back in added time to make the final scoreline 3-2, leaving India to cling on for the full three points rather than coasting to a comfortable close. Moosa acknowledged the late wobble directly, saying the side 'played some very good football, particularly in the first half' but was clear-eyed about the collapse in game management. 'Conceding two goals in added time is something we need to look at and learn from,' he said.

The coach was careful not to let the concern overshadow the broader performance. 'I don't want to take away from the overall effort and performance of the players. There are positives to build on, along with lessons we must learn,' Moosa added. His framing — holding both praise and critique simultaneously — reflects a squad in construction rather than a settled unit.

What Moosa Said About the Win

'It is always special to start a tournament with a victory, especially against a team like Pakistan. I am happy for the players because they showed great character, commitment and attacking intent throughout the game. Getting three goals and securing all three points is a positive start, and it gives the team confidence going forward. However, we know this is just the beginning, and there is still a long way to go in the tournament,' Moosa said.

On the defensive lapses, he stressed the fundamentals: 'At this level, concentration, game management and maintaining our discipline are extremely important until the final whistle. We will analyse those moments.'

Focus Shifts to Maldives on November 11

India now have five days to regroup before their final Group B fixture against Maldives on 11 November 2026. The squad is set to be bolstered by fresh arrivals in the intervening period. Moosa outlined priorities for the camp: 'Our immediate focus will be on recovery, improving our tactical organisation and addressing the areas where we need to do better. With five days available, it is also important to integrate the players who will be joining the squad and ensure everyone understands our playing philosophy, responsibilities and expectations.'

He further elaborated: 'We want to improve our coordination, especially in transitions, defensive organisation and decision-making in key moments. Most importantly, we want to use these days to build further chemistry and competition within the group.'

Group B Standings and What Is at Stake

India sit atop Group B with 3 points after the opening round. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for 14 November, with the final set for 17 November. A positive result against Maldives would all but confirm India's place in the last four and potentially clinch the group.