India Beat Pakistan in SAFF Championship Opener

India began their title defence with a 3-2 win over Pakistan at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday. Bhat's first-half brace and Kipgen's goal put the Blue Tigers in control, but two late strikes from Pakistan made for a tense finish.

India started cautiously, building from the back and looking to establish control in midfield, with Abhishek Suryavanshi operating in a deep role. Bhat thought he had opened the scoring in the 12th minute after connecting with an aerial ball from Kipgen, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The forward made amends a minute later. Muhammad Suhail collected the ball from a throw-in on the left, drove forward and delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. Bhat arrived at the six-yard box to turn it home.

India doubled their advantage in the 19th minute. Suryavanshi played a precise pass through the Pakistan defence, allowing Bhat to break clear and slot a first-time finish past goalkeeper Yousuf Butt.

The Blue Tigers extended their lead in the 31st minute. Noufal PN carried the ball forward through the middle before releasing Kipgen behind the defence. The midfielder ran on to the pass and finished past the advancing goalkeeper.

Pakistan had an opportunity to reduce the deficit after Suryavanshi brought down Hayyaan Khattak inside the penalty area. However, Shayak Dost sent the resulting penalty over the crossbar.

Bhat came close to completing his hat-trick just before half-time, cutting in from the right and unleashing a left-footed effort from outside the box. His shot went narrowly wide.

PAKISTAN FIGHT BACK IN STOPPAGE TIME

India continued to control proceedings after the restart and created opportunities to extend their lead. Adison Singh Thokchom was denied by Butt in a one-on-one situation, while Kipgen and Farukh also had attempts that failed to find the target.

Pakistan pulled one back in the 91st minute when Junaid Shah crossed from the left and Najeeb Ullah rose to head the ball past India goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh.

Three minutes later, McKeal Abdullah delivered a cross from the right side of the penalty area. Alamgir Ghazi controlled the ball before finishing with an acrobatic effort to make it 3-2.

India held on to secure the win and begin their campaign with three points.

INDIA FACE MALDIVES NEXT

India will play their final Group B fixture against the Maldives on November 11 at 3 pm at the National Stadium in Dhaka.

The top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals.

With inputs from ANI