India edge Pakistan 3-2 in SAFF Championship clash in Dhaka

India defeated Pakistan 3-2 in their opening Group B fixture of the 2026 SAFF Championship at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday.

The defending champions took control of the contest in the first half, scoring three goals through Suhail Ahmad Bhat and Manglenthang Kipgen.

Suhail opened the scoring in the 13th minute, finishing off a well-worked attacking move to put India ahead. The forward doubled his tally six minutes later, capitalising on a through-ball from Abhishek Suryavanshi to make it 2-0.

India extended their advantage in the 32nd minute when Kipgen found the net to put Pakistan under further pressure.

Pakistan had an opportunity to reduce the deficit before half-time after being awarded a penalty in the 35th minute. However, Shayak Dost failed to convert from the spot, sending his effort over the crossbar.

India appeared to be cruising towards a comfortable victory before Pakistan mounted a late comeback in stoppage time.

Najeebullah scored in the 90th minute to give Pakistan a lifeline, while Ghazi added another goal three minutes later to make it 3-2. However, Pakistan ran out of time to find an equaliser as India held on for victory.

The result gives India three points in Group B as they begin their title defence, while Pakistan will look to bounce back in their next group fixture against the Maldives on November 8.

India, nine-time SAFF Championship winners, will face the Maldives on November 11 as they continue their pursuit of a record-extending 10th title.