Suhail Ahmad Bhat struck a brace as defending champion India began its SAFF Championship campaign with a 3-2 victory over Pakistan in a Group B match on Thursday (November 5, 2026).

Bhat scored in the 13th and 19th minutes while Manglenthang Kipgen struck in the 31st minute as India led 3-0 at half time.

Pakistan scored two goals in the stoppage time through Najeeb Ullah and Alamgir Ghazi.

Coach Naushad Moosa had only 17 players at his disposal for Thursday’s (November 5, 2026) match as the ISL clubs are yet to release some of their players for the tournament with the game not falling in the FIFA match window (November 9 to 17).

The clubs are expected to release their players for the next match against Maldives on November 11.

The result:

India 3 (Suhail Ahmad Bhat 13, 19; Manglenthang Kipgen 31) bt Pakistan 2 (Najeeb Ullah 90+1, Alamgir Ghazi 90+4).