Pakistan Suffers 3-2 Defeat Against India, Late Comeback Falls Short

Dhaka: In the opening match of the SAFF Championship, Pakistan faced a 3-2 defeat against India.

India took control of the match right in the first half. Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored two goals in the 14th and 20th minutes, while Manglenthang Kipgen extended the lead to 3-0 in the 32nd minute. Pakistan also received a penalty in the first half, but Shahak Dost’s kick went over the crossbar.

Pakistan played better in the second half. During injury time, Najeebullah scored the first goal with a header from Junaid Shah’s cross. Immediately after, Alamgir Ghazi scored the second goal with a brilliant overhead kick from Mueed Abdullah’s pass, making it 3-2, but the equalizer could not be found.

Pakistan will now play its final group match against Maldives on Sunday, November 8. To advance to the semifinal, Pakistan will need a victory in this match.

Reporter Ali Hassan