SAFF: India survive Pakistan scare

India's near-perfect start to their SAFF Championship campaign was soured by two goals they conceded in stoppage time as the defending champions outwitted Pakistan 3-2 in their group B opener at National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.Coach Naushad Moosa had just 17 players to choose from, two of them goalkeepers, as clubs were reluctant to release players when they have ISL duties. But a reserve side that trained just twice before the opener turned pre-match predictions on its head, scoring twice inside the first 20 minutes. Both goals came from the boots of Suhail Ahmad Bhat, while Manglenthang Kipgen made it 3-0 in the first half.With such a big advantage, it was understandable that complacency would be India's biggest enemy. Moosa could even afford to try out new players, but the mood soured in stoppage time as Pakistan struck twice through Najeeb Ullah and Alamgir Ghazi.India are defending their SAFF Championship title with a reserve side. The seniors will travel to New Zealand next week for two friendlies with the World Cuppers.In Dhaka, however, Moosa's side played on the front foot, taking Pakistan by surprise.Bhat thought he had opened India's account with a nice grounder, but the goal was wrongly ruled offside. Television replays showed the Bagan striker had beat the trap before scoring.The forward, however, was not to be denied for long. Two minutes later, Muhammad Suhail ran to catch a quick throw-in from Muhammad Uvais and then delivered an inch-perfect ball into the penalty area, where Bhat turned it home.Bhat's second came through another perfect through ball, this time from midfielder Abhishek Suryavanshi. The striker simply timed his run and scored with remarkable ease.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.