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Published : 25 Mar 2025, 11:02 PM
Bangladesh have wasted a host of opportunities against India as the highly-anticipated tie concluded in a goalless draw in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifier.
On Hamza Choudhury’s debut for the men in red and green, Bangladesh turned up with attacking intent but failed to productively combine in the final third. India were also profligate and missed several opportunities at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday.
Hong Kong and Singapore also failed to break the deadlock, leaving Group C poised on a point each for the teams.
From the outset of the first half, Hamza, who was met by jeers from the crowd, used his strength to win balls on the opposing half to press high as India goalkeeper Vishal Kaith sent a clearance straight to Shakil Ahad Topu in the 11th minute.
As the ball bounced on the forward’s back, the goalie was bailed out by Subhasish Bose who made a goalline clearance.
Bangladesh seemed in complete control in claiming a third corner as Shekh Morsalin produced a great cross from the right in the 18th minute. But Mohammad Emon failed to get contact on a free header.
Tariq Raihan Kazi in defence was doing a decent job of keeping Sunil Chhetri in check, but goalkeeper Mitul Marma was up against his first real test in the 31st minute.
Liston Colaco combined with Subhasish, and swung one into the box but Udanta Singh’s header was off target and Farukh Choudhary failed to beat Mitul with the rebound.
Bangladesh showed great pace on a break 10 minutes later when Mojibur Rahman Jony stormed into the box but his second touch allowed Kaith to collect the ball. The first half was marked by some captivating end-to-end show.
India, however, found rhythm in the second half as Colaco in the 55th minute launched a fine cross to Chhetri who failed to connect in the box.
Two minutes later, talismanic Chhetri connected well, but Hamza blocked the shot with his shoulder, prompting a fruitless appeal for handball.
After Javier Cabrera brought on two changes in the Bangladesh formation in the 62nd minute, Chhetri fired a half-volley in front of the goalpost way over the top.
Bangladesh showed signs of reproducing their first-half intent when Rakib Hossain swerved one to the left of the goalpost but ended up firing high and wide.
After India subbed Chhetri off in the 85th minute, Kaith made another save blocking Fahim’s shot before several aimless shots in stoppage time sealed an anti-climactic end.
