DHAKA: Jammu and Kashmir’s rising football star Suhail Ahmad Bhat delivered a memorable performance on the international stage, scoring twice to guide defending champions India to a 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening Group B fixture of the SAFF Championship 2026 at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.
The young forward from Jammu and Kashmir struck twice within the opening 19 minutes, setting the tone for India’s commanding first-half display. Manglenthang Kipgen added another goal as the Blue Tigers established a seemingly comfortable 3-0 advantage before the break.
Pakistan staged a late fightback with two stoppage-time goals through Najeeb Ullah and Alamgir Ghazi, but India managed to protect their lead and begin their title defence with three valuable points.
For Suhail, the match was another significant milestone in his growing international career, as the J&K footballer made a decisive contribution in one of India’s most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat puts India in control
India initially adopted a measured approach, focusing on building attacks from the back and controlling possession through midfield.
Suhail thought he had opened the scoring in the 12th minute when he connected with an aerial delivery from Kipgen. However, the effort was ruled out for offside.
The J&K forward made no mistake a minute later.
Muhammad Suhail initiated the move from the left after receiving possession from a throw-in. He drove forward before delivering an accurate ball into the penalty area, where Suhail Ahmad Bhat arrived at the six-yard box to finish and put India ahead in the 13th minute.
The forward doubled India’s advantage in the 19th minute, this time benefiting from an excellent pass by Abhishek Suryavanshi.
With Pakistan’s defensive line sitting deep, Suryavanshi found space to deliver a perfectly timed through ball. Bhat made an intelligent run behind the defenders and calmly finished first time into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Yousuf Butt with little chance.
The brace highlighted Bhat’s movement, composure and finishing ability, giving India a strong platform in the contest.
Kipgen makes it 3-0 as Pakistan miss penalty
India continued to exploit spaces behind Pakistan’s defence and added a third goal in the 31st minute.
Noufal PN carried possession through the middle before releasing Manglenthang Kipgen with a well-weighted pass. Kipgen ran onto the delivery and calmly beat the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Pakistan had an opportunity to get back into the match when Abhishek Suryavanshi brought down Hayyaan Khattak inside the penalty area.
However, Shayak Dost failed to convert the resulting penalty, sending his effort over the crossbar and allowing India to retain their three-goal cushion.
Bhat almost completed his hat-trick just before half-time. Cutting inside from the right in the 45th minute, he unleashed a left-footed attempt from outside the box, but the shot narrowly missed the target.
Pakistan score twice late but India hold on
India continued to dominate after the interval, creating several opportunities to extend their advantage.
Adison Singh Thokchom was denied in a one-on-one situation by goalkeeper Butt, while Kipgen and Farukh Choudhary also came close to adding to India’s tally.
However, India were unable to find another goal, allowing Pakistan an opportunity to finish strongly.
Pakistan pulled one back in the first minute of stoppage time when Junaid Shah delivered a cross from the left. Najeeb Ullah rose above the Indian defence to head the ball past goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh.
Three minutes later, Pakistan struck again. McKeal Abdullah delivered a cross from the right side of the penalty area, which Alamgir Ghazi controlled before producing an acrobatic finish to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
The late goals created a tense finish, but India held their nerve to secure victory.
India face Maldives next
India will now turn their attention to their final Group B fixture against the Maldives, scheduled for November 11 at 3 PM at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
With Suhail Ahmad Bhat leading the attacking effort against Pakistan, the defending champions have made a positive start to their title defence, while the J&K forward has once again demonstrated his ability to deliver on a major international stage.
