India’s men’s football team secured a resounding victory over their arch-rivals Pakistan in their first game at the SAFF Championship 2023. India scored four goals against a hapless Pakistani defence in front of a crowd at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The first goal came within 10 minutes after Pakistan’s goalkeeper Saqib Hanif made an error in clearing the ball, which allowed Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri to score. Chhetri went on to complete a hat-trick, with Udanta Singh Kumam adding the fourth.
Fans on social media trolled Hanif following his costly error. India now leads Group A, sitting at the top of the points table, having secured a better goal difference than Kuwait, who defeated Nepal 3-1 earlier in the tournament. This win comes following India’s title-winning campaign at the Intercontinental Cup 2023.
India started the game fast and attacked from both flanks, putting Pakistan’s defence under pressure. Following Chhetri’s goal, India began to dominate possession, with the Indian midfield providing through-balls to the strikers. Pakistan’s defence collapsed, allowing Chhetri to add two more goals and complete his hat-trick. Udanta Singh Kumam then added a fourth goal, putting the game out of reach for Pakistan, who had come close to scoring in the 29th minute.
India held on to its lead in the second half, continuing to press Pakistan’s defence and come close to scoring several times. Anwar Ali’s floated shot ended up in the Pakistan half, allowing an unmarked Singh to score from close range. India will play Nepal in its second Group A match on Saturday. With this win, India has now secured seven consecutive clean sheets against its traditional rivals.
