Sports reporter:
Defending champions India made winning start in
the 15th edition of the SAFF Championship, the premier football competition
in South Asia, with an exciting 3-2 goals win over arch-rival Pakistan by in
their opening group encounter at the National Stadium here today (Thursday).
India scored three goals in the first half to take a commanding 3-0 lead
against their arch-rival.
Despite fielding an Under-23 side in their title defence campaign, India have
made an impressive start to the tournament, showcasing their attacking
strength and control against Pakistan in the opening match.
India dominated the proceedings from the outset, controlling possession and
dictating the pace of the game with a series of attacking moves. Their
organised pressing, accurate passing and coordinated movements kept Pakistan
under constant pressure in their own half.
India opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who
sent the ball home, beating Pakistan goalkeeper Yousuf Ijaz Butt.
Indian’s second goal followed just six minute later and was a product of
seamless teamwork. Bhat capitalised on a defence-splitting through ball from
Abhishek and curled the ball into the top-right corner beyond the advancing
goalkeeper who came forward to clear the ball.
India extended their lead to 3-0 in the 32nd minute when Kipgen found the net
following a through pass from Muhammad Noushad.
The Punjab FC midfielder raced clear of the Pakistani defence, and although
goalkeeper Yousuf Ijaz Butt rushed off his line in an attempt to block the
effort, the ball eventually crossed the goal line.
Pakistan, however, missed a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit in the
34th minute. Mohammad Hayyaan Khattak broke into India’s penalty area before
being brought down by Abhishek, prompting the referee to award a penalty to
Pakistan.
However, Shayak Dost failed to capitalise on the opportunity as his spot-kick
went wide of the target, allowing India to maintain their three-goal
advantage.
After the resumption, Pakistan came to the field with more organized way not
allowing to to mnake further damage closing down passing lanes and nullified
any potential threat.
Pakistan responded with two late goals in a span of three minutes in the
stoppage time through substitute Najeeb Ullah and Alamgir Ali Khan Ghazi,
sparking hopes of a dramatic comeback in the match.
Najeeb Ullah reduced the margin for Pakistan in the 90+1st minute. Junaid
provided a superb cross into the box, and Najeeb Ullah took a powerful header
that directly crushed the back of the net.
Three minutes later of the stoppage time Alamgir Ali Khan Ghazi scored the
second goal with a superb right footer volley from the top of edge of the box
giving no chance to Indian custodian Arsh Anwer Shaikh to react.
However, India held their nerve in the closing minutes to secure a narrow,
yet deserved victory.
India are the most successful team in the history of the SAFF Championship,
having won the title nine times, including the last two editions. They are
now aiming to become champions for the third consecutive time.
