India suffered a blow in its quest for a spot within the AFC Asian Cup fundamental spherical because it was held to a goalless draw by a spirited Bangladesh in a Group-C league match within the final-round qualifiers on the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium right here on Tuesday.
The capability crowd’s vociferous help didn’t assist the host’s prospects because it did not convert its possibilities.
Struggle
Despite getting its ace striker Sunil Chhetri again from worldwide retirement, India struggled to utilise the scoring alternatives that got here its method in pretty good numbers.
Sunil Chhetri through the AFC Asian Cup qualifying match in opposition to Bangladesh.
| Photo Credit:
RITU RAJ KONWAR
In the primary quarter, a decided Bangladesh assault uncovered the host’s lack of coordination and steadiness.
The customer was helped alongside by some preliminary goalkeeping errors dedicated by Vishal Kaith, who made a expensive slip-up within the very first minute, sending an tried clearance to an unmarked Bangladesh midfielder Mojibor Jony on high of his personal field.
The scenario was saved as Jony’s try hit the aspect netting. Vishal’s hastiness obtained India into a disaster as soon as once more within the eleventh minute as he hit a Bangladesh participant whereas making an attempt to launch the ball forward.
Alert
Bangladesh ahead Shahriar Emon discovered the rebound however his try was cleared off the road by an alert Subhasish Bose.
Feeble try
Farukh Choudhary, positioned alongside Chhetri to bolster India’s assault, produced a feeble try and let go a fantastic alternative within the thirty second minute. This development continued for the remainder of the match as India tried in useless to interrupt the impasse.
“I am very angry and disappointed with the performance. This is a really poor performance and perhaps shows the reality of Indian football,” mentioned India head coach Manolo Marquez after the match.
The end result: India 0 drew with Bangladesh 0.
Published – March 25, 2025 10:10 pm IST
