Pakistan scored twice in stoppage time, including a spectacular overhead kick by Alamgir Ghazi, but their late rally proved insufficient as Nolberto Solano’s side suffered a 3-2 defeat against India in their SAFF Championship opener at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Thursday.

Trailing 3-0 at half-time, Pakistan mounted a spirited fightback, with Najeebullah and Alamgir finding the net in injury time to give the Shaheens hope of an unlikely comeback.

Najeebullah reduced the deficit in the second minute of stoppage time, powering home a bullet header from a Junaid Shah cross to score his first international goal.

Two minutes later, Alamgir produced a moment of individual brilliance to make it 3-2. Collecting a pass from McKeal Abdullah with his back to goal, the midfielder lifted the ball before swivelling and connecting with a stunning overhead kick that found the far corner.

Pakistan pushed forward in search of a dramatic equaliser, but India held on to secure all three points in the Group ‘B’ encounter.

The defeat left Pakistan to rue a disappointing first-half performance in which they struggled to impose themselves against their arch-rivals. The Shaheens were also without several key players who had featured in last month’s FIFA ASEAN Cup.

India took the lead in the 14th minute through Suhail Ahmad Bhat, who finished first-time after a swift attacking move.

The forward doubled his tally six minutes later with another clinical finish, before Manglenthang Kipgen extended the advantage to 3-0 two minutes past the half-hour mark.

Pakistan had an opportunity to reduce the deficit shortly afterwards when Hayyaan Khattak won a penalty following a foul inside the box. However, Shayek Dost blazed his effort over the crossbar, allowing India to take their three-goal lead into the interval.

Solano made an early change, bringing on striker McKeal Abdullah for defender Waqar Ehtisham Baloch. At half-time, Umar Nawaz and Muhammad Junaid replaced Syed Ali Raza and Ali Uzair Mahmood.

Pakistan’s efforts in the second half were further disrupted by injuries to left-back Abdul Rehman and Shayek Dost, both of whom had to be withdrawn. Junaid Shah and Najeebullah came on as replacements.

Despite continued pressure from India, Pakistan managed to create opportunities of their own. Najeebullah came close to scoring late in the match after being set up by McKeal Abdullah, but his effort was kept out by India goalkeeper Arsh Anwer Shaikh.

The two late goals offered some consolation for Pakistan, whose attacking intent in the closing stages provided encouragement despite the defeat.

The Shaheens will take on Maldives on Sunday, November 8 in their final Group ‘B’ fixture. Pakistan will need a positive result to keep their semi-final hopes alive, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the last four.

The match will also be played before the start of the FIFA international window.