Pakistan go down to India despite late onslaught in SAFF Championship opener
Pakistan scored twice in stoppage time, including a spectacular overhead kick by Alamgir Ghazi, but their late rally proved insufficient as Nolberto Solano’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat against India in their SAFF Championship opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday. Trailing 3-0 at half-time, Pakistan mounted a spirited fightback, with Najeebullah and […]
Pakistan suffered a 3-2 defeat to India in their SAFF Championship opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, despite mounting a late rally late in the game. Trailing 3-0 at halftime, Pakistan fought back with goals from Najeebullah and Alamgir Ghazi in stoppage time to give hopes of an unlikely comeback. India took the lead in the 14th minute with a goal from Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who scored twice in the match.
Pakistan reduced the deficit to 3-1 two minutes before halftime via Najeebullah, but India extended their lead to 3-2 through Manglenthang Kipgen two minutes after halftime. Pakistan had an opportunity to equalize shortly afterwards when Hayyaan Khattak won a penalty, but Shayek Dost's effort was saved. Injuries to left-back Abdul Rehman and Shayek Dost further disrupted Pakistan's efforts in the second half.
The defeat leaves Pakistan to rue a disappointing first-half performance, and they will need a positive result in their final Group 'B' fixture against Maldives on Sunday, November 8 to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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