Suhail Bhat’s brace and Kipgen’s goal gave India a commanding 3-0 lead, but two stoppage-time strikes from Pakistan turned their SAFF Championship opener into a nervy finish.

Kolkata, November 5: India began their SAFF Championship 2026 title defence with a 3–2 victory over Pakistan at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon, but what looked like a comfortable opening-day win turned into a nervy finish after two goals in stoppage time showed up India’s inability to close out the contest.

Three goals inside the opening 32 minutes put Blue Tigers firmly in control, with Suhail Bhat scoring twice and Kipgen adding another. However, missed opportunities after the break and a late Pakistani revival ensured the defending champions had to fight until the final whistle to secure all three points.

India needed just 13 minutes to break the deadlock. Uvais delivered a throw-in into the attacking area in the left flank, which Muhammed Suhail managed to control before sending a cross into the box which Suhail Bhat puts into the net to give India the early advantage.

Six minutes later, Suhail Bhat doubled the lead with a composed finish. Abhishek Suryavanshi played a forward pass that Suhail latched onto, carrying the ball into the box before finding the back of the net to make it 2–0. Blue Tigers were making their early dominance count, with Pakistan struggling to deal with their attacking movements.

The third goal arrived in the 32nd minute. Noufal S produced an impressive run and dribble before setting up Kipgen inside the box. Kipgen’s effort was initially touched by the Pakistan goalkeeper, but the shot found its way into the net, extending India’s advantage to 3–0.

Pakistan had an opportunity to respond before half-time when Khattak was brought down by Abhishek Suryavanshi while attempting to capitalise on a loose ball inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, but Shayak failed to convert the penalty, allowing India to carry their three-goal cushion into the break.

The second half, however, presented a different picture. India had opportunities to put the contest beyond Pakistan’s reach but failed to make the most of them. The missed chances gradually became significant as Pakistan found a way back into the game.

Adison had one of India’s better opportunities in the 60th minute after getting past Haseeb Ahmed Khan and finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, his delayed attempt allowed the Pakistan keeper to get a hand to the ball and deny him. It was a chance that could have effectively ended Pakistan’s hopes of a comeback, but India failed to capitalise.

Pakistan, who had struggled to threaten for much of the contest, finally found a breakthrough in the second minute of stoppage time. Junaid Ahmed Shah delivered a cross from the left, and Najeeb Ullah headed into the net, reducing the deficit to 3–1.

The goal gave Pakistan renewed belief, and they struck again just two minutes later. Aroon Abdullah sent another cross into the Indian penalty area, where Alamgir Ali Khan Ghazi managed to get his shot away despite Ricky Shabong’s presence while defending him. The ball found the net, making it 3–2 and suddenly putting India’s three-goal advantage in serious danger.

Pakistan’s late response made the closing moments uncomfortable for India, who had looked in complete control during the first half. The defending champions eventually held on to claim the victory, but the manner in which they surrendered their clean sheet and allowed Pakistan back into the contest.

A three-goal lead inside 32 minutes should have provided India with a much more comfortable opening to their title defence. Instead, missed chances in the second half and a lapse in concentration during stoppage time turned a seemingly straightforward afternoon into a narrow escape.

India take all three points from their opening Group B fixture, but the final scoreline tells a different story from the one their first-half performance had promised. Though after taking three crucial points in the bag the momentum quickly now shift towards the next clash against Maldives on 11th.