Not up to the mark: Chhetri’s attempted header went wide.
| Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR
India suffered a blow in its quest for a spot in the AFC Asian Cup main round as it was held to a goalless draw by a spirited Bangladesh in a Group-C league match in the final-round qualifiers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.
The capacity crowd’s vociferous support did not help the host’s prospects as it failed to convert its chances.
Struggle
Despite getting its ace striker Sunil Chhetri back from international retirement, India struggled to utilise the scoring opportunities that came its way in fairly good numbers.
Sunil Chhetri during the AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Bangladesh.
| Photo Credit:
RITU RAJ KONWAR
In the first quarter, a determined Bangladesh attack exposed the host’s lack of coordination and balance.
The visitor was helped along by some initial goalkeeping errors committed by Vishal Kaith, who made a costly slip-up in the very first minute, sending an attempted clearance to an unmarked Bangladesh midfielder Mojibor Jony on top of his own box.
The situation was saved as Jony’s attempt hit the side netting. Vishal’s hastiness got India into a crisis once again in the 11th minute as he hit a Bangladesh player while trying to release the ball ahead.
Alert
Bangladesh forward Shahriar Emon found the rebound but his attempt was cleared off the line by an alert Subhasish Bose.
Feeble attempt
Farukh Choudhary, placed alongside Chhetri to bolster India’s attack, produced a feeble attempt and let go a fine opportunity in the 32nd minute. This trend continued for the rest of the match as India tried in vain to break the deadlock.
“I am very angry and disappointed with the performance. This is a really poor performance and perhaps shows the reality of Indian football,” said India head coach Manolo Marquez after the match.
The result: India 0 drew with Bangladesh 0.
Published – March 25, 2025 10:10 pm IST
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