India beats Pakistan 3–2 in SAFF Championship opener in Dhaka

Defending champion India opened the SAFF Championship 2026 with a 3–2 victory over Pakistan at the National Stadium in Dhaka on November 5. India's second-string squad, managed by youth coach Noushad Moosa due to ISL commitments and an international break against New Zealand, controlled the match from the start.

India dominated the first half, with forward Suhail Ahmed Bhat scoring twice in the 13th and 19th minutes after receiving a low cross from Mohammed Suhail. Midfielder Manglenthang Kipgen extended the lead to 3–0 in the 31st minute with a chip over Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt after being set up by Noufal. Pakistan's Shayak Dost wasted a penalty earlier in the first half by sending his shot high.

India's intensity dropped in the second half, but Pakistan posed little threat until stoppage time. In injury time, Pakistan mounted a late comeback: Najeebullah scored from a Junaid Shah cross in the 92nd minute, and Alamgir Ghazi added a second goal in the 94th minute with a turning finish from a narrow angle. Despite the surge, Pakistan could not find an equalizer. After the match, Ghazi acknowledged the team's slow start and missing training due to lost luggage, but said the squad's "hopes are high" ahead of their next fixture against Maldives on November 8.

The tournament, returning after three years of postponement, runs from November 5–17 in Dhaka. India (ranked 138 in FIFA rankings) competes in Group B alongside Pakistan (ranked 197) and Maldives. India has won nine SAFF Championship titles, the most recent in 2023.