India, the defending champions of the SAFF Championship began their title defense with a thrilling 3–2 victory over archrivals Pakistan on November 5. While the scoreline suggests an evenly contested game, both the Pakistan goals came very late in the game, and it was the Blue Tigers who were dominating the proceedings for major parts of the game.
India’s first half attacking display was particularly impressive, with all three goals coming in the opening half hour of the game. Naushad Moosa’s side appeared like they have trained for a long time together with all the goals coming through well-timed runs, clever passing and composed finishing.
Despite the three goals scored, there were numerous other occasions on which the Indian team were not clinical enough in front of the goal and that almost costed them the game as they were poor defensively in the finishing moments.
Here are five players who impressed us the most in the opening fixture in the 2026 SAFF Championship.
Suhail Ahmad Bhat – The clinical finisher
Suhail Bhat was the standout performer, showing exactly what a striker needs to deliver on a big occasion. He scored twice inside the opening 19 minutes, first reacting brilliantly to Muhammad Suhail’s delivery before making a perfectly timed run to finish Abhishek Suryavanshi’s through ball.
He constantly looked to exploit the space behind Pakistan’s defence and came close to completing his hat-trick just before half-time. Two goals, intelligent movement and composure in front of goal made his performance one to remember.
Muhammad Suhail – The creative spark
Muhammad Suhail made a valuable contribution to India’s attacking play with his direct running and ability to deliver at the right moment. His work down the left created the opening goal, as he drove forward from a throw-in before sending an excellent ball into the penalty area for Bhat to finish.
He also combined well with his fellow attackers and switched flanks during the game, making him difficult to track. One assist and a key role in India’s early attacking momentum summed up a productive outing.
Noufal PN – The provider who made things happen
Noufal brought pace and purpose to India’s attack, particularly when the team found opportunities to break forward. His best moment came in the build-up to India’s third goal, when he carried the ball through the middle and released Manglenthang Kipgen with a well-timed pass behind the defence.
That assist highlighted his ability to recognise space and make the right decision under pressure. He linked up effectively with the attacking players throughout the game, finishing with one assist and a direct contribution to India’s third goal.
Manglenthang Kipgen – A debut to remember
Kipgen made an immediate impression with an energetic performance that combined intelligent movement with an eye for goal. He timed his run perfectly to get on the end of Noufal’s pass before calmly finishing past the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3–0.
His influence went beyond the goal, too: he repeatedly found dangerous spaces and created opportunities for teammates. He created six goal-scoring opportunities, making his display particularly encouraging. A goal on his senior international debut was the perfect reward for his efforts.
Valpuia – A dependable presence at the back
Valpuia deserves recognition for the balance he brought to India’s defensive and attacking play. He put in a solid shift, contributing at both ends of the pitch and helping India maintain control for much of the contest.
His performance was especially encouraging during the period when India kept Pakistan largely quiet after the break. Although the two late goals took some shine off the team’s overall defensive display, Valpuia’s individual contribution remained positive. A composed, hardworking performance that offered value beyond the headline-making goals made him a worthy inclusion on this list.
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