Naushad Moosa says India have a long way to go after 3-2 win over Pakistan
India head coach Naushad Moosa said there is still work ahead after India edged Pakistan 3-2 in their SAFF Championship 2026 opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday, a game in which the Blue Tigers conceded two goals in stoppage time. Moosa praised the start but warned the side must improve concentration and game management.
India took a 3-0 lead through Suhail Ahmad Bhat’s first-half brace and Manglenthang Kipgen’s goal in the 31st minute before Pakistan scored twice in added time to make the final score 3-2. Moosa said he was pleased with the team’s start, their attacking intent and commitment, adding: “It is always special to start a tournament with a victory, especially against a team like Pakistan. I am happy for the players because they showed great character, commitment and attacking intent throughout the game. Getting three goals and securing all three points is a positive start, and it gives the team confidence going forward. However, we know this is just the beginning, and there is still a long way to go in the tournament,” he said.
While India controlled large parts of the match and created several opportunities, Moosa identified the two late goals as an area of concern. “I thought we played some very good football, particularly in the first half. We were organised, created good opportunities, and showed a good understanding of what we wanted to achieve both in and out of possession. However, the last few minutes were not what we expected. Conceding two goals in added time is something we need to look at and learn from,” he said. “At this level, concentration, game management and maintaining our discipline are extremely important until the final whistle. We will analyse those moments, but I don’t want to take away from the overall effort and performance of the players. There are positives to build on, along with lessons we must learn,” he added.
Moosa confirmed the squad will use the intervening days to recover and integrate additional players due to join the group ahead of the final Group B fixture. “Our immediate focus will be on recovery, improving our tactical organisation and addressing the areas where we need to do better. With five days available, it is also important to integrate the players who will be joining the squad and ensure everyone understands our playing philosophy, responsibilities and expectations,” he said. “We want to improve our coordination, especially in transitions, defensive organisation and decision-making in key moments. Most importantly, we want to use these days to build further chemistry and competition within the group. Our objective is to be better prepared for the next game and continue improving with every match.”
India sit on three points in Group B and will face Maldives on November 11 with the aim of securing the top spot; the top two teams from each group advance to the last four on November 14 and the final is scheduled for November 17.