India’s near-perfect start to their SAFF Championship campaign was soured by two goals they conceded in stoppage time as the defending champions outwitted Pakistan 3-2 in their group B opener at National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.Coach Naushad Moosa had just 17 players to choose from, two of them goalkeepers, as clubs were reluctant to release players when they have ISL duties. But a reserve side that trained just twice before the opener turned pre-match predictions on its head, scoring twice inside the first 20 minutes. Both goals came from the boots of Suhail Ahmad Bhat, while Manglenthang Kipgen made it 3-0 in the first half.With such a big advantage, it was understandable that complacency would be India’s biggest enemy. Moosa could even afford to try out new players, but the mood soured in stoppage time as Pakistan struck twice through Najeeb Ullah and Alamgir Ghazi.India are defending their SAFF Championship title with a reserve side. The seniors will travel to New Zealand next week for two friendlies with the World Cuppers.In Dhaka, however, Moosa’s side played on the front foot, taking Pakistan by surprise.Bhat thought he had opened India’s account with a nice grounder, but the goal was wrongly ruled offside. Television replays showed the Bagan striker had beat the trap before scoring.The forward, however, was not to be denied for long. Two minutes later, Muhammad Suhail ran to catch a quick throw-in from Muhammad Uvais and then delivered an inch-perfect ball into the penalty area, where Bhat turned it home.Bhat’s second came through another perfect through ball, this time from midfielder Abhishek Suryavanshi. The striker simply timed his run and scored with remarkable ease.Kipgen made it 3-0 when he gave the finishing touches to PN Noufal’s ball that sliced open the Pakistan defence.Pakistan were clueless for most part. They had a chance to score one of their own, but Shayak Dost sent his penalty wide, after Suryavanshi had clattered into Hayyaan Khattak inside the box.The second half presented India with more chances to inflate their lead. Adison Singh missed a one-on-one chance with the keeper, while Kipgen and Farukh Chaudhary also went close.In stoppage time where four minutes were added, there was plenty of action. Pakistan struck twice, first through Najeeb who outjumped his marker inside the box and then Alamgir added his name to the scoresheet with a spectacular acrobatic effort.
