Pakistan were punished for a poor first-half performance as defending champions India beat them 3-2 in the opening match of the SAFF Championship at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.
India’s second-string side established a three-goal advantage before half-time, with Suhail Ahmad Bhat scoring twice and Manglenthang Kipgen adding another. Pakistan missed a penalty before finding the net twice in stoppage time, but their late response could not prevent defeat.
Bhat, a 21-year-old Mohun Bagan forward, opened the scoring in the 14th minute and doubled India’s lead six minutes later. Punjab FC forward Kipgen made it 3-0 in the 32nd minute to put Naushad Moosa’s side firmly in control.
Pakistan had an opportunity to reduce the deficit from the penalty spot, but Shayak Dost sent his effort over the crossbar. Dost, who regularly scores for City Club in the Bangladesh Football League, could not take advantage of the chance to bring his team back into the contest.
India controlled the match for much of the opening period, while Pakistan struggled to respond to their opponents’ attacking pressure. The Green Shirts eventually found some momentum in the second-half stoppage time, when Najeeb Ullah and captain Alqmgir Ghazi scored to reduce the margin to one goal.
However, the late goals came too late to change the result. India held on to begin their title defence with three points in Group B.
Pakistan coach Nolberto Solano now has to prepare his side for Sunday’s meeting with the Maldives, a match that carries added importance after the opening defeat. Pakistan had been unable to hold a training session in Dhaka before Thursday’s match.
Both teams arrived with incomplete squads because of ongoing domestic and overseas leagues. Several senior Indian players remained occupied with the Indian Super League, while Pakistan were without most of their Europe-based players. Their full squad is expected to become available when the FIFA international window opens on November 9.
