SportsPosted at: Nov 4 2026 5:52PM


SAFF c’ship: Second-string India begin title defence against Pakistan

New Delhi, Nov 4 (UNI) A depleted India will begin their SAFF Championship title defence against arch-rivals Pakistan in Dhaka on Thursday, with only 18 players available for the opening Group B encounter.
The defending champions are without several first-choice players as the senior national team is preparing for two international friendlies against New Zealand on November 12 and 15 in Auckland and Christchurch. The opening match against Pakistan also falls outside the FIFA international window, which has made it difficult for Indian Super League (ISL) clubs to release their players.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) had announced that 18 members of the 28-man squad would travel from Kolkata on November 3, with the remaining players expected to join once the FIFA window opens on November 9 and Indian Super League (ISL) clubs release their footballers.
India, coached by U-23 national team head coach Naushad Moosa, will face Maldives in their second Group B fixture on November 11. Bibiano Fernandes, who recently guided the India U-15 side at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, is the assistant coach.
“I think Bangladesh are currently the strongest team in the tournament, and we hope to face them in the final," Naushad was quoted as saying by local media after the team's arrival in Dhaka.
"I am optimistic about my team's chances of becoming champions," he said.
Hosts Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan make up Group A. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the November 14 semifinals, while the final is scheduled for November 17.
India have won the regional championship nine times in 14 editions since 1993 and finished runners-up on four occasions. They have also secured one third-place finish.
The Blue Tigers have enjoyed a clear advantage over Pakistan, winning seven of their 10 meetings since 2000, with two defeats and a draw. India won their last encounter 4-0 in Bengaluru in the 2023 edition, with Sunil Chhetri scoring a hat-trick.
Pakistan, coached by former Peru international Nolberto Solano, have named Sweden-based defender Abdullah Iqbal as captain. They arrive after two defeats and a draw in the ASEAN Cup, although their recent record includes two wins and a draw in five matches. With India short of their regulars, the rivalry could produce a more competitive contest this time.UNI TB AAB
Tags: #SAFF c’ship: Second-string India begin title defence against Pakistan
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