Baghdad:India took a commanding 3-0 lead against Pakistan in the first half of their opening Group match of the SAFF Championship at the National Stadium today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 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. The Indian forward doubled his side's advantage in the 19th minute by capitalising on a defence-splitting through ball from Abhishek, curling the ball into the top-right corner beyond the advancing goalkeeper.
India extended their lead to 3-0 in the 32nd minute when Kipgen found the net following a through pass from Noushad. Despite the goalkeeper's attempt to block the effort, the ball crossed the goal line.
Pakistan missed a golden opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 34th minute when Mohammad Hayyaan Khattak was brought down by Abhishek, leading to a penalty. However, Shayak Dost failed to score as his spot-kick went wide, allowing India to maintain their lead.
India thus went into the half-time break with a comfortable three-goal advantage, leaving Pakistan with a challenging task for the second half.