
SAFF Championship: Title-holders India take down Pakistan to begin campaign in style
What Happened?
India kicked off their SAFF Championship 2026 title defense with a 3-2 victory over Pakistan in Dhaka. Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice, helping India withstand a late comeback.
Key points
- India won 3-2 against Pakistan in their SAFF Championship 2026 opener.
- Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored two goals for India.
- Manglenthang Kipgen added the third goal.
- Pakistan scored two late goals through Najeeb Ullah and Alamgir Ghazi.
- India will face Maldives in their next match on November 11.
Key insights
- India's strong first-half performance showcased their attacking capabilities.
- The late goals by Pakistan highlighted India's defensive vulnerabilities.
- The match's outcome could influence India's momentum in the tournament.
Why it matters
This victory sets a strong tone for India's title defense in the SAFF Championship.
Entities
Source
India Today