New Delhi: Defending champions India began their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in a Group B encounter at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday. Suhail Ahmad Bhat starred with two goals, while Manglenthang Kipgen also found the net to help India secure all three points.
India dominated the first half, establishing a commanding 3-0 lead through an impressive attacking display. Srinagar-born forward Bhat opened the scoring in the 13th minute, giving India an early advantage. He struck again six minutes later, completing his brace in the 19th minute and putting Pakistan under considerable pressure.
India continued to control proceedings and extended their lead in the 31st minute when Kipgen scored the team’s third goal. The early attacking success gave the defending champions a comfortable three-goal cushion heading into the half-time break.
Pakistan struggled to contain India’s attacking movement during the opening period but showed greater determination after the restart. Despite trailing by three goals, the side continued to push forward in search of a response.
The contest took an unexpected turn during stoppage time when Pakistan managed to score twice. Najeeb Ullah reduced the deficit in the 90+1st minute before Alamgir Ghazi found the net in the 90+4th minute.
The two late goals brought some excitement to the closing moments, but India held on to protect their advantage and register a winning start to their title defence.
Although Pakistan’s late comeback attempt made the final scoreline much closer, India’s dominant first-half performance proved decisive in the Group B clash.
