India leads Pakistan 2-0 in SAFF Championship opener in Dhaka
A second-string Indian side took a two-goal lead against Pakistan during their opening match of the tournament on Thursday.
India took a 2-0 lead against Pakistan in their opening match of the SAFF Championship 2026 at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, according to News18. The match features a second-string Indian squad as the senior team is touring New Zealand for friendlies.
Manglenthang Kipgen scored the first goal for India after receiving a pass from PN Noufal and chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. Later, Mohun Bagan forward Suhail latched onto a through ball from Ricky John Shabong to score India's second goal in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.
Pakistan had a chance to reduce the deficit when Abhishek Suryavanshi conceded a penalty following a challenge on Hayyaan. However, Shayak Dost missed the penalty by hitting the ball over the bar.
The Indian side is currently playing with 18 available players. The All India Football Federation (AIFF) stated that the remaining 10 players will join the squad once the international window opens on November 9, as several ISL clubs were reluctant to release players outside that period.
India is placed in Group B alongside Pakistan and Maldives. The Blue Tigers are scheduled to play Maldives on November 11 in their next group stage match.
