India beat Pakistan 3-2 in SAFF Championship opener as both sides shake hands
India edged Pakistan 3-2 in their SAFF Championship football opener in Dhaka, and players from both teams shook hands before and after the match.
India led comfortably in the first half in Dhaka on November 5, with Suhail Ahmad Bhat scoring in the 13th and 19th minutes and Manglenthang Kipgen adding a third in the 31st minute. Pakistan mounted a late fightback, with Najeeb Ullah scoring in the 91st minute and Alamgir Ghazi making it 3-2 three minutes later, but India held on for all three points.
Players from both sides shook hands before and after the game, in contrast to cricket matches between the two countries, where Indian players refused handshakes during the 2025 Asia Cup in Dubai. Indian coach Naushad Moosa had said his players would be willing to embrace their opponents if needed.
The tournament took place outside the FIFA international window, and several first-choice players were unavailable because of club commitments. Moosa, who coaches the Under-23 team, was therefore in charge of a largely second-string squad. Senior head coach Khalid Jamil is preparing a separate squad for friendlies against New Zealand on November 12 and 15.