Najeeb ullah

Defending champions India beat Pakistan to open their campaign in Group B in the SAFF Championship 2026 at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday. Photo credit: AIFF Image Source: IANS

SAFF Championship 2026: Defending Champions India Beat Pakistan In Campaign Opener

By IANS News November 05, 2026 • 20:14 PM View: 10

Suhail Ahmad Bhat: Defending champions India began their SAFF Championship 2026 campaign with a 3-2 victory over Pakistan in their Group B opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.

Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice in the first half before Manglenthang Kipgen added a third to give India a commanding 3-0 lead at the break. Pakistan scored twice in stoppage time through Najeeb Ullah and Alamgir Ghazi, but the Indian side held on to secure all three points.