AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers: India and Bangladesh End Match in a Draw
Click to start listening
Synopsis
India's AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign began on an uncertain note with a goalless draw against Bangladesh in their opening group stage match at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. Despite several attempts to score, both teams failed to capitalize on their chances.
Key Takeaways
- India held to a goalless draw against Bangladesh.
- Significant crowd support of 15,000 at the match.
- India prepares for upcoming games against Singapore and Hong Kong.
- Several player changes made by coach Manolo Márquez.
- Goalkeeping errors nearly cost India in the first half.
Shillong, March 25 (NationPress) India’s journey in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers commenced on a rocky note as they were held to a goalless draw by Bangladesh in the opening match of Group A at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Tuesday.
After a shaky first half where Bangladesh’s attackers capitalized on vulnerabilities in the Indian defense, the Blue Tigers regrouped in the second half, keeping the opposition defenders engaged, much to the excitement of the 15,000-strong audience.
Despite multiple attempts, a goal proved elusive, prompting India to prepare for more challenging encounters against Singapore and Hong Kong in the four-team group, both of whom also played to a 0-0 draw earlier on Tuesday.
India's head coach Manolo Márquez made five alterations from the squad that triumphed over Maldives in a FIFA Friendly just days prior, introducing Boris Singh Thangjam, Udanta Singh Kumam, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sandesh Jhingan, and Farukh Choudhary.
He entrusted the captaincy to Sandesh, appearing confident in his strategy on the rain-soaked, slippery pitch of the verdant Nehru Stadium.
Bangladesh nearly seized the lead just seconds into the match when goalkeeper Vishal Kaith miscleared the ball, allowing Md Mojibor Jony a clear shot that fortunately hit the side net.
The visitors continued to threaten, with Md Shakil Topu making a promising run down the right, sending a cross to Md Shariar Emon, whose header went over the bar.
In the opening 15 minutes, Bangladesh relentlessly pressured the Blue Tigers' defense. Despite Emon posing a significant threat, a blunder by Kaith nearly cost India, but Subhasish Bose made a crucial goalline intervention.
Once the storm had passed, India found their footing, asserting control and creating several opportunities during this phase.
The first attempt on goal for India came from Liston Colaco, whose right-footed effort lacked the necessary power. Near the half-hour mark, India had a chance to score, but Farukh couldn’t convert despite having a clear sight of the goal.
Bangladesh squandered a chance in the 41st minute when Jony broke through, but Kaith was on hand to thwart the attempt.
Meanwhile, Colaco continued to excel; in the 54th minute, his precise cross had the potential to find the back of the net, but Sunil Chhetri failed to make the connection.
India maintained their pressure, and shortly after, Chhetri was impeded by midfielder Hazma Choudhury. With his rich experience from England, Hamza played a pivotal role in guiding Bangladesh’s strategies on both ends of the field.
