India Hold Off Pakistan After Late Two-Goal Fightback

Pakistan scored twice in stoppage time, but India left Dhaka with a 3-2 win after a match that swung from comfort to alarm in minutes. The defending champions had led by three goals before Pakistan’s late surge made the final moments tense. The result gives India all three points in their SAFF Championship opener, though the score showed how quickly a settled game can change. ^1,2

India’s 3-0 lead came through Suhail Ahmed Bhat’s first-half brace and a goal from Manglenthang Kipgen. Bhat finished a low cross to open the scoring, then beat Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Butt after being sent through on goal. Kipgen ran onto Noufal’s pass and chipped the advancing keeper. Pakistan had a chance to respond before the break, but Shayak Dost sent a penalty over the bar. India controlled much of the match, while Pakistan struggled to threaten until the closing stages. ^1,4

Those closing stages brought the scare. Najeebullah headed in Junaid Shah’s cross in stoppage time, and Alamgir Ghazi followed with a remarkable finish from a tight angle to make it 3-2. India’s second-string side had looked in command, but the two goals showed the risk of easing off before the final whistle. The squad was short of senior players because of club commitments and the national team’s separate preparations for friendlies against New Zealand. The win matters in Group B, where India, Pakistan and the Maldives are competing for two places in the semifinals. ^1,7

The Group B race continues on November 8, when Pakistan meet the Maldives. India’s next match is against the same team on November 11, giving both sides an early chance to shape their path to the semifinals. The top two teams in each group advance, with the semifinals set for November 14 and the final on November 17. India are aiming for a record-extending 10th title after winning the 2023 edition. ^2,8