India beat Pakistan 3-2 in SAFF Championship 2026 openerSuhail Ahmed Bhat scored twice as India survived a late comeback in Dhaka.
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Suhail Ahmed Bhat scored two goals as India beat Pakistan in their SAFF Championship 2026 opener in Dhaka(Photo: Star)
India vs Pakistan, SAFF Championship 2026: Defending champions India began their title defence with a thrilling 3-2 win over Pakistan in their SAFF Championship 2026 opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka on ThursdaySuhail Ahmed Bhat notched a brace to put India 3-0 ahead, but Pakistan produced a stunning late fightback with two goals in injury time to give the defending champions a scareDespite the late drama, India held on to take all three points in this high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash.
It was a second-string India team, as many first-team players are busy with the ISL and the senior team is set to play New Zealand during the international breakBut even without the big names, India played fearless football and almost threw away a 3-0 lead in the end.
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Suhail Ahmed Bhat Shines With Two Goals
India started the match on the front foot and looked dangerous from the first minuteSuhail Ahmed Bhat was a constant problem for the Pakistan defence.
India took the lead with a lovely team moveMohammed Suhail sent a low cross into the box and Suhail Ahmed Bhat tapped it in from close range to make it 1-0.
A few minutes later, Suhail got his second goalHe was sent clean through on goal and he calmly placed the ball past Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt to make it 2-0.
India were in full controlThey kept the ball well and dominated the midfieldSoon, Manglenthang Kipgen made it 3-0Noufal played a smart pass and Kipgen was left completely freeOne-on-one with Butt, he chipped the ball into the net.
At 3-0, India looked like they would win easily.
Pakistan Miss Penalty, India Get Complacent
India’s biggest problem at that point was over-confidenceAbhishek Suryavanshi made a rash tackle on Hayyan Khattak inside the box and the referee gave a penalty to Pakistan.
It was a big chance for Pakistan to get back in the game, but Shayak Dost wasted itHe blasted his penalty way over the bar.
In the second half, India’s intensity dropped a littlePakistan had more of the ball but they were not able to create any real dangerIt looked like the match was over.
Late Drama In Stoppage Time
But football can change in two minutesIn stoppage time, Pakistan suddenly woke up.
First, Najeebullah scored with a powerful header from a superb cross by Junaid Shah to make it 3-1.
Just two minutes later, Alamgir Ghazi scored the best goal of the matchHe controlled the ball with a beautiful first touch and then smashed it in from a tight angle, while turning and falling downIt was 3-2.
Pakistan tried hard for an equaliser, but there was no time leftIndia held on for the win, but the late fightback will give Pakistan a lot of confidence.
What Alamgir Ghazi Said After The Match
After the match, Alamgir Ghazi spoke honestly about Pakistan’s performance.
Ghazi said after the match that “the first half was not goodWe could have scored [with the penalty]We were better in the second, but we scored too late.”
When asked why Pakistan had not trained yesterday, he said with a smile, “Our luggage was missing, that’s why we didn’t train.”
He also said that the team’s “hopes are high,” before adding, “we must win the second game, because all the players will come in time for the semifinalWe want to beat Maldives”
What Next For India and Pakistan?
India will be happy with the three points, but coach Noushad Moosa will not be happy with the late goalsIndia need to stay focused for the full 90 minutes.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will take a lot of positives from the last two minutesIf they play like that against Maldives, they can still reach the semifinal.
