Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano admitted his side failed to match India’s intensity in their opening match of the TECNO SAFF Championship 2026, but refused to use travel and logistical problems as an excuse for the 3–2 defeat.
Pakistan suffered a disappointing loss to defending champions India at the National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Thursday. They conceded three goals in the first half before scoring twice in stoppage time, leaving themselves with too much to do to rescue a result.
India Take All Three Points Despite Late Pakistan Comeback
India defeated Pakistan 3–2 in their SAFF Championship opener after a dominant first half featuring two goals from Suhail Ahmad Bhat. Despite a late surge from Pakistan with two stoppage-time goals, the defending champions held on to secure the victory and all three points in Group B.
Speaking after the match, Solano acknowledged that Pakistan started slowly and allowed India to dictate the game.
“I believe the first half we didn’t start that well, was a little bit slow. And India took the chances, every chance we gave away they took,” he said.
The former Newcastle United midfielder was more encouraged by his players’ response after the break, although he felt the reaction came too late.
“But I’m pleased with the reaction in the second half. Maybe a little bit late, we should react a little bit earlier,” he added.
Solano also expressed concern about the team’s physical condition, pointing to the lack of regular competitive football available to many Pakistani players.
“We are failing physically, we need to be more strong. You can tell today the Indian team never stopped running,” he said.
The Pakistan coach further revealed that his team were without six or seven important players because of scheduling problems, adding to the challenges surrounding their preparation for the tournament.
Pakistan also endured a difficult journey to Bangladesh. The team arrived in Dhaka at around 3am on Wednesday, but were unable to train because their luggage and equipment had not arrived.
“I don’t like to make excuses but it was quite a long journey,” Solano said.
Despite the disruption, he insisted that the circumstances before the match could not justify the performance, particularly the defensive errors that allowed India to establish a commanding advantage.
“The first two, three goals from India were too easy. We were sleeping,” he said.
India took a 3–0 lead into half-time through Suhail Ahmad Bhat’s brace and Manglenthang Kipgen’s goal. Pakistan’s late response came through Najeeb Ullah in the 91st minute and Alamgir Ghazi three minutes later, but India held on to secure all three points.
The defeat leaves Pakistan under pressure ahead of their next Group B fixture against the Maldives on Sunday. The Maldives will then face defending champions India on Wednesday as the group continues its battle for places in the semi-finals.
