DHAKA, Bangladesh: Pakistan produced a dramatic late comeback against arch-rivals India, scoring twice in stoppage time after falling three goals behind, but the defending champions held their nerve to secure a 3-2 victory in their SAFF Championship 2026 opener at Dhaka’s National Stadium on Thursday.
India’s second-string side appeared on course for a comfortable victory after building a commanding three-goal advantage, but Pakistan’s spirited late response turned the closing minutes into a tense contest.
Pakistan 2-3 India
Disappointing performance from Pakistan, despite scoring two late goals. We also missed a penalty 🤦♂️
Alamgir Ghazi scored a beautiful goal.
Hopefully, the late goals give the team some confidence heading into the next game
#PAKvIND #SAFFChampionship https://t.co/Eeux5mB4sI
— Muhammad Bilal (@offiziellbilal) November 5, 2026
Suhail Ahmed Bhat scored twice in the first half before Manglenthang Kipgen extended India’s lead to 3-0, capitalising on defensive lapses by the Pakistan side coached by Nolberto Solano.
Two goals from Bhat put India firmly in control
India opened the scoring through a well-coordinated attacking move when Mohammed Suhail delivered a low cross for Bhat, who made no mistake in converting from close range.
Bhat doubled India’s advantage after being sent through on goal, calmly slotting the ball past Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt to put his side firmly in control.
The defending champions continued to dominate possession and midfield exchanges, adding a third goal when Noufal split Pakistan’s defence with a precise pass to Kipgen. The midfielder raced towards goal before chipping the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
India beat Pakistan by 3-2 in SAFF Championship Group B match.. Pakistan missed penalty in 35th minutes otherwise it would have been draw . India dominated in 1st half https://t.co/xwtUxp9fxv
— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) November 5, 2026
Pakistan miss penalty opportunity
Pakistan had an opportunity to reduce the deficit after Abhishek Suryavanshi brought down Hayyan Khattak inside the penalty area.
However, Shayak Dost squandered the chance by sending his spot-kick high over the crossbar, leaving Pakistan with a mountain to climb.
Although Pakistan enjoyed more possession after the interval, Solano’s men struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities until the closing stages.
Two stoppage-time goals spark Pakistan fightback
Pakistan finally found their attacking rhythm in stoppage time when Najeebullah connected with Junaid Shah’s excellent cross, producing a powerful header to make it 3-1.
Just minutes later, Alamgir Ghazi brought further excitement with a spectacular finish. He controlled the ball with a deft first touch before turning and firing home from a tight angle while falling to the ground.
The two late goals revived Pakistan’s hopes of an unlikely comeback, but India managed to protect their narrow lead and secure all three points.
Read Also: PM Hails Pakistan Football Team’s Historic International Triumph
India field second-string side
India entered the tournament with a second-string squad, as several players were involved in the ongoing Indian Super League, while the first-choice team was committed to a fixture against New Zealand during the international break.
Despite the defeat, Pakistan forward Alamgir Ghazi acknowledged his team’s improved performance after half-time but admitted that their late scoring surge had come too late.
“The first half was not good. We could have scored [with the penalty]. We were better in the second, but we scored too late,” Ghazi said.
Explaining why Pakistan had not trained on Wednesday, Ghazi revealed that the team’s luggage had gone missing.
“Our luggage was missing, that’s why we didn’t train,” he said with a smile.
A tough result, but a fight that went down to the final whistle. 🇵🇰🦅
The Shaheens battled back with heart and determination, but fell just short.
FULL TIME: Pakistan 2–3 India
Heads held high. The journey continues. 💚 https://t.co/VJFMb9LJic
— Pakistan Football Federation (@TheRealPFF) November 5, 2026
Pakistan turn focus to Maldives clash
Despite the opening defeat, Ghazi remained optimistic about Pakistan’s chances of progressing in the competition and stressed the importance of their next encounter against the Maldives.
“We must win the second game, because all the players will come in time for the semifinal. We want to beat Maldives,” he said.
Pakistan will now look to build on their second-half improvement and secure a crucial victory in their next group-stage fixture to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
