Defending champion India handed Pakistan a 3-2 defeat in the inaugural fixture of the SAFF Championship 2026 at the National Stadium, Dhaka on Thursday.
Suhail Ahmed Bhat netted twice while Noufal Puthenveettil Noushad added the other in the first half to secure all three points despite Pakistan’s two goals in the stoppage time.
Pakistan had a chance to reduce the margin from a penalty earlier but Shayak Dost wasted it.
Collecting a cross from Muhammed Suhail, Suhail Bhat tapped home to take the lead in the 13th minute before the Mohun Bagan forward doubled the lead seven minute later.
This time, Suhail made the best of Abhishek Suryavanshi’s through pass with a neat placing.
Manglenthang Kipgen extended the lead to 3-0 in the 31st minute as the Punjab FC midfielder ran into the box and found the back of the net with a deflected finish.
Hayyaan Khattak, who plays for Brothers Union, earned a penalty but Shayak Dost, other Pakistan player playing in the Bangladesh Football League for City Club, sent over.
Pakistan finally found the way into the Indian nets in the stoppage time with double strikes.
Midfielder Alamgir Ghazi scored a spectacular goal with a back volley, three minutes after substitute Najeeb Ullah headed in a cross of Junaid Ahmed Shah.
India’s head coach Naushad Moosa was not happy with his side’s performance in the second half especially conceding two goals in the space of two minutes in the stoppage.
“It is a game, not a bad game. Players need to understand how important it is to stay consistent throughout the game, 90 minutes and then not get casual. When you miss so many chances, you might get punished.” said Naushad.
Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano talked about his team’s late arrival in Dhaka that ended up without a training session in the host country prior to the match.
“We had to travel on Tuesday all day. Arrived three o'clock in the morning yesterday. And we couldn't train because our suitcases didn't arrive. So, it was a little bit difficult,”
Talking about the match, Nolberto said, “It was a little bit slow and India took the chances. Every chance we give away they took and after the match it was very, very tough, very difficult.”
“I'm pleased with the reaction in the second half. Maybe a little bit late. We should have reacted a little bit earlier. But I'm pleased with that.”
Pakistan will face Maldives next on Sunday while India take on Maldives on Wednesday in the Group B’s final fixture.
