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India Survive Pakistan Scare in SAFF Opener
Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice and Manglenthang Kipgen added a third as India built a 3-0 lead before surviving a late Pakistan rally.
- On Thursday, defending champions India defeated Pakistan 3-2 in their SAFF Championship 2026 opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka, surviving a dramatic late stoppage-time fightback.
- Mohun Bagan Super Giants forward Suhail Ahmed Bhat scored twice in the first 20 minutes, followed by Manglenthang Kipgen's 32nd-minute goal, as India's second-string squad dominated early possession.
- Pakistan's Shayak Dost squandered a first-half penalty, blazing the spot-kick over the crossbar, while Coach Nolberto Solano's team struggled to create chances until the closing stages.
- Stoppage time brought a dramatic rally as Najeeb Ullah headed home a Junaid Shah cross in the 91st minute, followed by Alamgir Ghazi's acrobatic finish three minutes later.
- Ghazi explained the team's missed Wednesday training, saying, "Our luggage was missing, that's why we didn't train," as both teams prepare for upcoming group matches against the Maldives.
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SAFF Championship: Title-holders India take down Pakistan to begin campaign in style
India began their SAFF Championship 2026 title defence with a 3-2 win over Pakistan in Dhaka. Suhail Ahmad Bhat scored twice as the defending champions survived a late fightback after surrendering their three-goal advantage.
·Noida, India
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources28
Leaning Left3Leaning Right6Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Right
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
60% Right
L 30%
R 60%
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