India take 3-0 first-half lead against Pakistan in SAFF Championship opener

Dhaka, 5 Nov - 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 here Thursday.

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 with an impressive. He 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 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.

India thus went into the half-time break with a comfortable three-goal advantage, leaving Pakistan with a difficult task in the second half.BSS