India run riot in first half to take 3-0 lead against Pakistan

India took complete control of their SAFF Championship clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, scoring three goals in a dominant first half at the National Stadium in Dhaka on today. A brace from Suhail Ahmad Bhat and a fine finish from Manglenthang Kipgen put the Blue Tigers firmly in command, while Pakistan wasted a golden chance to get back into the contest by missing a penalty.

India needed just 13 minutes to break the deadlock after putting Pakistan's defence under sustained pressure from the opening whistle. Suhail Ahmad Bhat burst down the left flank and drove into the box before squaring the ball across the face of goal. Suhail Bhat had the simple task of tapping it into an empty net.

The Mohun Bagan forward doubled India's lead just six minutes later with a superb individual effort. Bhat latched on to Abhishek Dhananjay Suryavanshi through ball from midfield, outpaced his marker and entered the box before bending his body to send a precise right-footed shot into the bottom right corner.

Pakistan struggled to cope with India's pace and movement, and the third goal arrived in the 32nd minute. Winger N Puthenveettil Noushad broke through the Pakistani defence with little resistance before delivering the ball into the box. Manglenthang Kipgen brought it under control with his first touch and unleashed a powerful shot. Pakistan goalkeeper Yusuf Butt managed to get a hand to it but could not keep the ball out.

Pakistan were handed a chance to reduce the deficit two minutes later after Suryavanshi fouled Khattak inside the Indian penalty area while the forward tried to capitalise on a poor clearance by Vijay. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, but Shayak Dost sent his penalty sailing well over the crossbar, wasting Pakistan's best opportunity of the half.

India continued to threaten and came close to adding a fourth before the break. Pakistani defender Haris Ali Zeb was booked in the 40th minute for a poor challenge on Noushad. A minute later, Kipgen produced a fine piece of dribbling along the byline after a corner before beating his marker and delivering a cross into the box. Naufal met it with a volley, but Pakistan's defence somehow managed to keep the ball out.

India went into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead, having dominated the contest and left Pakistan with plenty to ponder.