Drama erupts in Nonthaburi! India rallied to draw 3-3 with Nepal in the final seconds of the SAFF Futsal 2026, while Pakistan displayed strong form beating Sri Lanka 5-2.
Nonthaburi, 18 Jan 2026 GMT+7 – The SAFF Futsal Championship 2026's third match at Nonthaburi Stadium was intense and dramatic, especially the big match between India and Nepal that kept fans on edge until the final second.
India 3 – 3 Nepal : Dramatic finish as India defies the odds.
The day's highlight saw India face Nepal in a closely contested and exciting match. Nepal took the lead early with Bikrant Narsingh Rana scoring in the 5th minute, but India equalized through Laltluangzela in the 6th. The first half ended tied 1-1.
In the second half, Nepal took the lead again at 2-1 with a goal from Amit Lama in the 25th minute. Late in the game, India resorted to a power play to try to equalize, succeeding with Anmol Adhikari scoring in the 39th. Shortly after, Nepal regained the lead at 3-2 through Bijay Shrestha in the 40th minute, seeming poised to win.
A pivotal moment came in the final minute when Nepal's Saroj Tamang was shown a red card and sent off. With the extra player, India pressed hard and miraculously Nikhil Rajendra Mali scored the equalizer with less than one second remaining, ending the game in an exhilarating 3-3 draw.
Goalscorers:
• India: Laltluangzela (6'), Anmol Adhikari (39'), Nikhil Rajendra Mali (40')
• Nepal: Bikrant Narsingh Rana (5'), Amit Lama (25'), Bijay Shrestha (40')
• Red card: Saroj Tamang (Nepal - 40')
Pakistan 5 – 2 Sri Lanka : Pakistan sharp and dominant, secures 3 points
In another match the same day, Pakistan delivered an impressive performance, defeating Sri Lanka 5-2. Pakistan controlled the game and created more chances, showing particular clinical finishing in the final third to earn a confident victory and boost hopes for advancing to the next round.
The SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 continues to offer thrilling action at Nonthaburi Stadium. Futsal fans should not miss it!