Defending champions India began their SAFF Championship campaign with a 3-2 victory over Pakistan in a Group B encounter at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday. A dominant first-half display proved decisive as India secured the opening points of the six-team tournament.
Young forward Suhail Ahmad Bhat led the charge for India, scoring in the 14th and 20th minutes to establish an early lead. Manglenthang Kipgen added a third goal in the 32nd minute, putting Naushad Moosa's side in a commanding position before the interval.
Pakistan struggled to find their rhythm early on and missed a significant opportunity to narrow the deficit when Shayak Dost sent a penalty kick over the crossbar. The Green Shirts were unable to mount a serious challenge for the majority of the match.
Nolberto Solano’s side managed a late resurgence during stoppage time in the second half, with Najeeb Ullah and captain Alqmgir Ghazi finding the net. However, the late goals were insufficient to overturn the three-goal cushion established by India.
Both teams entered the tournament with depleted squads due to ongoing club commitments globally. India fielded a second-string side with several senior players still involved in the Indian Super League, while Pakistan were without their Europe-based contingent.
Pakistan faced additional logistical challenges, having arrived in Dhaka without the opportunity to conduct a training session prior to the match. The team will look to bolster their squad when the FIFA window officially opens on November 9.
The result leaves Pakistan needing a positive outcome in their next fixture to maintain their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals. Pakistan are scheduled to face the Maldives on Sunday in their second group stage match.
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