Introduction to SAFF Championship and its History
- The South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in Asia.
- It takes place every two years, and teams from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Lebanon compete for the coveted trophy.
- India and Pakistan, being two of the biggest countries in South Asia, have always been arch-rivals on the football field.
Team Overview
India
- The Indian team is a strong contender in the SAFF Championship.
- In the past, India has won the tournament seven times.
- Currently, the Indian team is ranked 101st in the FIFA world rankings.
- Key players include Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh, and Anirudh Thapa.
- The coach of the Indian team is Igor Stimac.
Pakistan
- Pakistan’s football team has struggled in recent years.
- Pakistan has only won the SAFF Championship once, in 1993.
- Currently, the Pakistani team is ranked 195th in the FIFA world rankings.
- Key players include Mohsin Ali, Mohammad Ali, and Saddam Hussain.
- The coach of the Pakistani team is Mohammad Shamlan.
Draws and Groups
2023 SAFF Championship Draw
- Teams are drawn randomly into two groups of four.
- Each team plays the other teams in their group once.
- The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-finals.
Group Stage Schedule and Fixtures
Group A
- Pakistan
- India
- Nepal
- Kuwait
Also Read: AFC U23 Asian Cup™ Qatar 2024 Qualifiers Schedule
Contents
Group B
- Bhutan
- Maldives
- Bangladesh
- Lebanon
Head-to-Head Comparison
- India and Pakistan have a storied history on the football field.
- In the SAFF Championship, the teams have played each other 8 times, with India winning 5 times.
- Some of the most memorable matches between the two teams include the 2013 final, which India won 2-1, and the 2018 group stage match, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
- Star players from the past include Bhaichung Bhutia for India and Hassan Bashir for Pakistan.
- In terms of current form, India is considered the stronger team.
Tactical Battle
- Both teams typically play in a 4-4-2 formation.
- India is known for its attacking play, with Sunil Chhetri leading the line.
- Pakistan will look to stay organized defensively and hit India on the counter-attack.
- Key battles on the pitch will be between Chhetri and Pakistani defender Mohammad Ali.
What is the format of the SAFF Championship?
The tournament consists of two groups of four, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
How many teams are participating in the 2023 edition?
8 Teams are participating in SAFF Championship 2023 Edition
In the event of a draw, what are the tiebreaker rules?
The tiebreaker rules are head-to-head results, goal difference, goals scored, fair play points, and drawing lots.
Where can I watch India vs Pakistan match?
The match can be watched on SAFF’s official website.
