Defending champions India launched their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Pakistan in their Group B opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, 5 November. A dominant first-half display gave India a commanding cushion that Pakistan could only partially claw back through two stoppage-time goals.

Bhat Leads First-Half Blitz

Suhail Ahmad Bhat was the standout performer, netting twice in the opening 31 minutes to put India firmly in control. His first goal arrived in the 13th minute — turning home an inch-perfect delivery from Muhammad Suhail after collecting a throw-in on the left. A second followed in the 19th minute, when midfielder Abhishek Suryavanshi played a precise, line-breaking pass through the Pakistan defence and Bhat timed his run to perfection, slotting a first-time finish into the far corner past goalkeeper Yousuf Butt.

Bhat nearly completed his hat-trick just before the break but his left-footed effort from outside the box in the 45th minute went narrowly wide. Manglenthang Kipgen added the third goal in the 31st minute, running onto a pass from Noufal PN and finishing past the advancing Butt to give the Blue Tigers a 3-0 lead at half-time.

Missed Penalty and Missed Chances

Pakistan had the chance to reduce the deficit before the break when Suryavanshi brought down Hayyaan Khattak inside the penalty area. However, Shayak Dost sent the resulting spot-kick over the crossbar, a miss that proved pivotal in preserving India's dominant half-time advantage.

India continued to threaten after the restart. Adison Singh Thokchom was denied by Butt in a one-on-one, while Kipgen and Farukh also squandered opportunities to extend the lead. Goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh had little to do throughout the match as Naushad Moosa's side stayed largely organised defensively.

Pakistan's Stoppage-Time Fightback

Pakistan mounted a late rally in stoppage time. Najeeb Ullah reduced the deficit in the 91st minute, rising to head home a cross from Junaid Shah. Three minutes later, Alamgir Ghazi controlled a cross from McKeal Abdullah and finished with an acrobatic effort to make it 3-2. India held their nerve through the drama to claim all three points, though the nervous finish will concern the coaching staff.

Group B Standings and What's Next

The win puts India at the top of Group B after the opening round. They next face Maldives in their final group fixture on 11 November at the same venue in Dhaka. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. India will be looking to secure progression with a clinical performance after allowing Pakistan back into the game late on.