LAHORE, Nov 30: Pakistan meet arch-rivals India in an explosive opener of the third SAFF football championship which starts from Jan 10 in Dhaka.

Afghanistan have also been included in the eight-team contest on the recommendation of the Asian Football Confederation vice-president Manilal Fernando.

Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka have been placed in Group `A’, while Group `B’ comprises Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan.

Pakistan will play their second match against Sri Lanka on Jan 12 and third against Afghanistan on Jan 14.

The training camp, to be supervised by Jozef Herel, for the event starts from Dec 10 in Islamabad.

Schedule:

Jan 10: India vs Pakistan; Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan.

Jan 11: Maldives vs Bhutan; Bangladesh vs Nepal.

Jan 12: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka; Afghanistan vs India.

Jan 13: Nepal vs Bhutan; Bangladesh vs Maldives.

Jan 14: Afghanistan vs Pakistan; India vs Sri Lanka.

Jan 15: Nepal vs Maldives; Bangladesh vs Bhutan.

Jan 16 and 17: Rest day.

Jan 18: Semifinals (winners of Group `A’ v runners-up of Group `B’. winners of Group `B’ v runners-up of Group `A’)

Jan 19: Rest day

Jan 20: Third place play-off and final.