Pakistan Falls to India 3-2 in Thrilling SAFF Championship Opener

DHAKA: Pakistan’s football team suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat against India in their SAFF Championship opener at the National Stadium on Thursday, despite a spirited late comeback.

Trailing 3-0 at halftime, the Shaheens mounted a remarkable fightback, with Najeebullah scoring his first international goal in the second minute of stoppage time, followed by a stunning overhead kick from Alamgir Ghazi just two minutes later. The late rally, however, was not enough to secure a draw, leaving Pakistan to reflect on a disappointing first half.

This match marks a challenging start for Pakistan in the tournament, as they struggled to assert themselves against their arch-rivals. The defeat underscores the need for improvement in their performance if they hope to advance in the competition and regain their competitive edge in South Asian football.

Looking ahead, Pakistan will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next match in the group stage, aiming to secure crucial points to keep their championship hopes alive.