Dhaka (Sports Report): Pakistan scored twice in stoppage time, including a sensational overhead kick by Alamgir Ghazi, but it was too little too late as Nolberto Solano’s men 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 late comeback, with Najeebullah and Alamgir finding the net in injury time to give the Shaheens hope of an unlikely recovery.
Najeebullah pulled one back in the second minute of added time, powering home a bullet header from a Junaid Shah cross to register his first international goal.
Two minutes later, Alamgir produced a moment of brilliance to make it 3-2. Receiving a pass from McKeal Abdullah, the midfielder, with his back to goal, lifted the ball before swivelling and connecting with a spectacular overhead kick that found the far corner.
Pakistan launched another attack in search of an equaliser, but India held on to claim all three points in the Group B encounter.
The defeat left Pakistan to rue a difficult first half in which they struggled to impose themselves against their arch-rivals, missing several key players who had featured in the FIFA ASEAN Cup last month.
India took the lead in the 14th minute through Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who finished first-time following a quick attacking move. The forward doubled his tally six minutes later with another clinical finish, before Manglenthang Kipgen made it 3-0 two minutes past the half-hour mark.
Pakistan had an opportunity to get back into the game shortly afterwards when Hayyaan Khattak won a penalty following a foul inside the box. However, Shayek Dost blazed his effort over the crossbar, allowing India to carry their three-goal advantage into the break.
Solano was forced into an early change, bringing on striker McKeal Abdullah for defender Waqar Ehtisham Baloch. At half-time, Umar Nawaz and Muhammad Junaid replaced Syed Ali Raza and Ali Uzair Mahmood.
Pakistan’s second-half efforts were further disrupted by injuries to left-back Abdul Rehman and Shayek Dost, who had to be withdrawn, with Junaid Shah and Najeebullah coming on.
Despite India’s continued pressure, Pakistan created opportunities of their own. Najeebullah came close to scoring late in the match after being set up by McKeal Abdullah, but his effort was saved by India goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh.
The late goals ultimately provided some consolation for Pakistan, whose attacking resolve in the closing stages offered encouragement ahead of their next fixture.
The Shaheens will face Maldives on Sunday, November 8, at 2:30pm PKT in their final Group B match. Pakistan will need a positive result to keep their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the last four.
