Bangkok, Thailand: The 2026 SAFF Futsal Championship – Men’s Event saw India produce a stunning 4-1 win over Pakistan to grab the silver medal. The result meant Pakistan, having started the day in 2nd place, ended up finishing 4th after Nepal grabbed bronze.
The Hua Mak Indoor Stadium witnessed a dramatic final day of SAFF Futsal as three matches were to decide the table standings. Nepal thrashed Bhutan 4-1 to confirm a podium finish and champions Maldives prevailing 5-2 over Sri Lanka in earlier fixtures.
It was a match the result of which had bearing on three teams – India, Pakistan, and Nepal – all of whom had a chance to clinch the silver medal. A win for either India or Pakistan would give the respective rivals the second spot. However, a draw would mean that Nepal would clinch silver.
Pakistan vs India began in a cautious tempo, with India digging deep and absorbing pressure as Pakistan failed to capitalize on their possession advantage. The Shaheens were missing their captain Muhammad Hassaan Zafar Khan due to his red card in their 5-1 win over Bangladesh.
India took a surprising lead as substitute Laltluangzela’s attempt somehow sneaked past Pakistan goalkeeper Muhammad Tahir Khan in the 6th minute. Pakistan created chances but their final delivery left much to be desired.
However, Ali Agha Hazara equalized just before half time when Zaid Ullah Khan’s ball found him on the left and he finished well past India goalkeeper Aleef Rahman Mollah. With all to play for in 2nd period, India yet again took a surprising lead when Lalsawmpuia’s shot deflected off Asif Ahmad Chaudhry and into the Pakistan net in the 25th minute.
Pakistan tried to respond swiftly as they forced Aleef Rahman Mollah to make several crucial saves. But India then made it 3-1 in 32nd minute when captain Nikhil Rajendra Mali finished from the rebound after a quick Indian counterattack.
With time running out, Pakistan’s Iranian coach Ali Imani tried to use a man advantage of making Ali Agha play as a flying goalkeeper. India’s Iranian coach Reza Kordi countered by defending deep and denying Pakistan space.
With seconds left on the clock, Lalsawmpuia intercepted the ball and passed into an open Pakistan net to kill the game 4-1. The result confirmed India’s 2nd place finish with 11 points from 6 games and a superior goal difference, with Nepal finishing 3rd also with 11 points.
Pakistan were left ruing their chances and had to make do with a 4th place finish with 10 points. The day before, the women’s event finished with Bangladesh crowned champions with India also finished 2nd and Bhutan 3rd. Pakistan women’s team finished 5th with 7 points.
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