With goal remaining elusive, India has to gear up for tougher battles ahead against Singapore and Hong Kong in the four-team group
Hyderabad: India was held to a goalless draw by Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final 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 fairly busy, much to the delight of the 15,000-strong crowd.
But a goal remained elusive, thus leaving India to gear up for tougher battles ahead against Singapore and Hong Kong in the four-team group.
Singapore and Hong Kong also drew 0-0 earlier on Tuesday.
Yet, Bangladesh had an opportunity to grab the lead within a few seconds of the start when goalkeeper Vishal Kaith’s unsteady 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.
The first to test the Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma was Liston Colaco, but his right footer didn’t have the required punch. At the stroke of half an hour, 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 hand, Colaco was doing his job well and truly. 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.
