India Dominates Pakistan with a 4-0 Victory in SAFF Championship Match
Bengaluru witnessed a resounding victory as India outclassed Pakistan 4-0 in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship match held on Wednesday.
India swiftly took the lead in the 10th minute when captain Sunil Chhetri capitalized on an error made by Pakistani goalkeeper Saqib Hanif. The Indian team continued their dominance, effortlessly doubling their lead just five minutes later with Chhetri successfully converting a penalty kick.
In the 29th minute, Pakistan’s Rao Omer Hayat received a yellow card for committing a foul just outside the penalty area.
However, shortly before halftime, a heated incident unfolded on the sidelines. Indian coach Igor Stimac seized the ball from Pakistan’s Abdullah Iqbal as he prepared for a throw-in. Stimac’s actions resulted in a red card, while yellow cards were shown to Sandesh Jhingan and Pakistan’s Rahis Nabi for their involvement in the altercation.
During the second half, Pakistan made two substitutions in the 54th minute, replacing Umer Hayat and Hassan Bashir with Ali Niazi and Shayek Dost.
Chhetri completed his hat-trick in the 74th minute by successfully converting yet another penalty kick, earned after being brought down in the box by Mohammad Sufyan.
In the 81st minute, India’s Udanta secured another goal for the hosts with a composed finish, evading the offside trap.
It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan football team played this match against India without a 24-hour rest, having arrived in India earlier on the same day.
Pakistan’s upcoming schedule in the SAFF Championship includes matches against Kuwait on June 24 and Nepal on June 27.