Shillong, March 25: India’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign began with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Bangladesh in their Group A opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday.
A tense first half saw Bangladesh exploiting gaps in India’s defense, with early threats that tested goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
The visitors came close to scoring within seconds of kickoff when Kaith’s poor clearance fell to Md Mojibor Jony, whose shot hit the side netting. Another scare followed as Subhasish Bose had to make a crucial goal-line clearance.
After weathering the early pressure, India grew into the game, controlling possession and creating chances. Liston Colaco tested Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma, while Farukh Choudhary squandered a clear-cut opportunity just before halftime.
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 over 15,000-strong crowd.
Indian’s Colaco delivering a perfect cross in the 54th minute, but Sunil Chhetri failed to connect properly. Bangladesh’s defensive midfielder Hamza Choudhury, with his experience from England, played a key role in breaking India’s attacks.
Indian midfielder Lalengmawia Apuia was awarded the Man of the Match Award.
Despite a strong second-half performance, India could not find the breakthrough, leaving them with a tough road ahead against Singapore and Hong Kong.
Singapore and Hong Kong also drew 0-0 earlier on Tuesday.
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