A second-string Indian football team is more than enough to get the better of arch-rivals Pakistan as the Blue Tigers kick-started their campaign with a thumping 3-2 victory in the 2026 SAFF Championships on Thursday (November 5) at the iconic National Stadium in Dhaka. The result also means that the nine-time champions have one foot in the semi-final of the competition.
Guided by interim head coach Naushad Moosa, India made a fiery start and went into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead. Suhaul Ahmed Bhatt scored a brace for the nine-time champions with goals in the 14th and 20th minutes of the match. Later,
Manglenthang Kipgen triped the lead in the 32nd minute of the match. Both of Pakistan’s consolation goals came in the stoppage time of the second half, with Najeeb Ullah (90+1) and Alamgir Ghazi (90+4) finding the back of the net.
India will next be seen in action on Wednesday (November 11) in their second group stage match against Maldives. Before that, Pakistan and Maldives will play each other on Sunday (November 8). For those unversed, the top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals. Group A consists of hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
Why India’s Main Stars Are Not Playing?
India are without their first-choice players as well as national team head coach Khaid Jamil, as they will be travelling to New Zealand in the upcoming November international break. The Blue Tigers will face the All Whites twice on November 12 at the Goa Media Stadium in Auckland, and on November 15 at the One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
India Eye 10th Title
India are aiming to become the first team to win the SAFF Champions 10 times. So far, they have won nine of the 14 editions that have been played (1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2021, 2013). Maldives are the only team with multiple titles with two titles to their name (2008 and 2018). Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka have won the trophy once each.
