India Beats Pakistan 3-2 in SAFF Championship
India's young football team began their SAFF Championship title defence with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Pakistan in Dhaka.
Football fans in India had plenty of reasons to celebrate on 5 November 2026! In an exciting India vs Pakistan football clash, India secured a thrilling 3-2 win at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
This memorable game was the opening Group B fixture of the 15th edition of the SAFF Championship. India entered the regional tournament as defending champions, taking the field with immense energy, courage, and sharp teamwork to claim all three points.
What happened?
India entered the tournament with a youthful Under-23 squad guided by head coach Naushad Moosa. With only 18 players available in their lineup, these young athletes stepped up with determination on the big stage.
The match began at a cracking pace. In the 13th minute, Indian forward Suhail Ahmad Bhat found an opening and scored the first goal from close range to give India an early lead.
Bhat was not finished yet. Just six minutes later, in the 19th minute, midfielder Abhishek Suryavanshi provided a neat through pass forward. Bhat chased the ball down and struck it into the back of the net, doubling India’s lead to 2-0.
The Indian side, famously known as the Blue Tigers, kept pressing forward. In the 31st minute, midfielder Manglenthang Kipgen broke cleanly past the Pakistani defense to score India’s third goal.
Pakistan had a major chance to score in the 34th minute from a penalty kick, but Shayak Dost sent the ball flying over the crossbar. India walked off the pitch at half-time holding a dominant 3-0 lead.
The second half turned into a nail-biter as Pakistan mounted a determined comeback during added time. Najeeb Ullah scored for Pakistan in the 91st minute, and captain Alamgir Ghazi added another goal in the 94th minute. Despite the late pressure, India stood strong until the final whistle to take the victory.
Before the contest, players and coaches from both sides highlighted sportsmanship and friendship, promising warm handshakes on the pitch and showing that respect always matters in sport.
Why does it matter to you?
This match shows how young athletes can achieve big things when given the chance to represent their country. Many of India’s players were part of a junior squad facing heavy competition, but they stayed confident and worked together.
Whenever you face a challenging school exam, a difficult match on sports day, or a tricky group project, you can remember this match. Staying focused, supporting your teammates, and remaining calm under pressure helps you succeed.
It also reminds us that sports are about building goodwill. Even in intense competitions, treating your rivals with kindness and respect makes you a true winner.
Words to know
- Under-23 squad: a sports team made up of young competitors who are under twenty-three years of age.
- Through pass: a forward pass in football sent into open space between defenders for a teammate to run onto.
- Crossbar: the horizontal top bar that connects the two vertical goalposts of a football goal.
- Added time: extra minutes added at the end of a match half to replace time lost during stoppages and injuries.
Did you know?
The 2026 SAFF Championship features six neighbouring South Asian nations competing for the trophy: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka!
Think about it
How can you show fair play and respect when competing in games with your friends at school? If your team is under pressure at the end of a match, how can you help your teammates stay calm?
Quick quiz
Who scored two goals for India in their opening win against Pakistan?
- Suhail Ahmad Bhat
- Abhishek Suryavanshi
- Manglenthang Kipgen
See the answer
Suhail Ahmad Bhat
Sources
This story was prepared by the Kids Gazette news desk with the help of AI research and writing tools, using the sources listed above.
