India vs Bangladesh AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers match ends in goalless draw

The Indian men’s football team drew 0-0 vs Bangladesh in its opening Group C encounter of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers third round at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday.

After an unsure first half when the Bangladesh attackers exploited gaps in the Indian defence to launch a few raids, the Blue Tigers turned around in the next 45 minutes to keep the rival defenders busy.

However, a goal remained elusive, thus leaving India to gear up for tougher battles ahead against Singapore and Hong Kong China in the four-team group.

Singapore and Hong Kong China also drew 0-0 earlier on Tuesday.

India head coach Manolo Márquez made five changes from the team that beat Maldives in the FIFA football friendly less than a week ago, bringing in Boris Singh Thangjam, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sandesh Jhingan and Farukh Choudhary.

Márquez also handed over the captain’s armband to Sandesh Jhingan and looked like he had his plans firmly in place on the rain-marred, slippery pitch of the lush green Nehru Stadium.

Yet, Bangladesh had an opportunity to grab the lead within a few seconds of the start when goalkeeper Vishal Kaith’s unsure clearance landed straight to Md Mojibor Jony. To the relief of the Indian bench, the Bangladesh midfielder’s shot crashed against the side net.

The next foray also came from Bangladesh. Md Shakil Topu danced down the right and crossed in the goalmouth for Md Shariar Emon to take a header that sailed over the bar.

In the first 15 minutes, the visitors tormented the Blue Tigers’ defence with vigour and energy. While Emon looked increasingly dangerous, one more mistake by Kaith had the Indian goal in trouble but Subhasish Bose made a desperate goalline save in the nick of time.

The unexpected storm over, India slowly settled down to take charge of things and made inroads in the rival defence with control over the midfield.

The first to test the Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma was Liston Colaco, but his right footer didn’t have the required punch.

Half an hour in, the home side had a chance to go up but Farukh couldn’t beat the custodian despite having a clear view of the frame. The move was initiated by Colaco on the left flank, which was promptly headed down at the goalmouth by Udanta Singh after Md Ridoy made a rather sloppy clearance.

An opportunity went begging for Bangladesh in the 41st minute when Jony raced through the right and was about to slam it in but Kaith displayed remarkable efficiency to foil the attempt.

On the other end, Colaco was doing his job well. In the 54th minute, his measured cross at the goalmouth had the ingredients to fetch a goal but Sunil Chhetri couldn’t find the right connection despite his quick and impressive spot jump.

India were pressing high during this period, and a couple of minutes later, Chhetri was foiled by defensive midfielder Hamza Choudhury with a strong shoulder push in the air.

Having come to the Bangladesh national side with his wealth of experience in England, Hamza pulled the strings in every Bangladesh move, both in defence and attack.

The Indian football team’s next Group C match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers will be against Hong Kong China on June 10.

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