India Beat Pakistan 3-2 in SAFF Championship 2026; Suhail Ahmad Bhat Scores Brace

Defending champions India began their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign with a 3-2 victory over Pakistan in a thrilling Group B encounter at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday, November 5. Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice, while Manglenthang Kipgen added another goal to help India secure all three points.

India dominated the first half and went into the break with a 3-0 lead. However, Pakistan mounted a late comeback attempt by scoring twice in stoppage time, making the closing minutes tense for the Indian team.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat Scores Two Goals for India

India took the lead in the 13th minute through Suhail Ahmad Bhat. The forward finished from close range after Muhammad Suhail created the opportunity with a delivery from the left.

Bhat doubled India's advantage in the 19th minute. Abhishek Suryavanshi played a precise pass through the Pakistan defence, allowing Bhat to get behind the backline and score his second goal of the match.

India extended their lead in the 31st minute. Noufal PN carried the ball forward before setting up Manglenthang Kipgen, who finished past Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt to make it 3-0.

India maintained their advantage until half-time and appeared firmly in control of the Group B fixture.

Pakistan Score Twice in Stoppage Time

Pakistan struggled to break through India's defence for much of the match but found their scoring touch in the closing moments.

Najeeb Ullah scored Pakistan's first goal in the 90+1st minute with a header following a cross from the left. Three minutes later, Alamgir Ghazi found the net again after controlling a delivery from the right and finishing with an acrobatic effort.

The two late goals reduced India's lead to 3-2 and created a tense finish. However, Naushad Moosa's side held on to secure victory and begin their campaign with three points.

India Have Limited Player Availability Ahead of FIFA Window

India were represented by a second-string side under head coach Naushad Moosa, who also leads the country's Under-23 team. According to a PTI report, Moosa had 17 players available for the Pakistan match because some Indian Super League (ISL) clubs had not released their players.

The match took place outside the FIFA international window, scheduled from November 9 to 17. The Indian Express reported that 18 players were available or had travelled for the initial assignment, while AIFF had announced a 28-member tournament squad.

The availability of additional players is expected to improve once the FIFA window begins, although their release and participation should be confirmed by the team.

India to Face Maldives on November 11

India will next take on Maldives in their second Group B fixture on November 11 at the National Stadium in Dhaka. The match falls within the FIFA international window, when clubs are expected to release players for national-team duty.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. India, who won the previous edition in 2023, are aiming to defend their title and secure a record-extending 10th SAFF Championship crown.

The 3-2 win over Pakistan gives the defending champions an important start, although the late goals conceded will be an aspect the coaching staff may look to address before the next fixture.