SHILLONG, March 26: India’s campaign in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers began with a disappointing goalless draw against Bangladesh in their opening Group A match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday. Despite a better second half performance, India could not convert any of their chances into goals, leaving them to prepare for more difficult fixtures against Singapore and Hong Kong in the coming days.
The game started with Bangladesh pressing hard, taking advantage of gaps in India’s defense. Bangladesh nearly took the lead within seconds of kickoff, when Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith’s unsteady clearance fell to Md Mojibor Jony, whose shot hit the side netting. Md Shakil Topu also caused problems with a cross into the box for Md Shariar Emon, whose header went wide. India’s defense, however, managed to survive the early attacks, with Subhasish Bose making a crucial goalline clearance to deny a goal.
India slowly gained control, with midfielder Liston Colaco testing Bangladesh’s goalkeeper Mitul Marma with a right-footed effort, but it lacked power. At the half-hour mark, India had another golden opportunity when Farukh Choudhary failed to capitalize on a clear chance after a sloppy clearance by Bangladesh’s Md Ridoy. Bangladesh also squandered opportunities, with Kaith making a key save on Jony’s 41st-minute strike.
India continued to press in the second half, with Colaco playing a vital role. In the 54th minute, his well-placed cross into the box was met by Sunil Chhetri, but he missed the connection. Despite India’s dominance, the match ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw.
Head coach Manolo Marquez made five changes from the team that recently defeated the Maldives in a FIFA Friendly, bringing in players like Sandesh Jhingan, Farukh Choudhary, and Lalengmawia Ralte. Marquez also handed the captain’s armband to Jhingan, looking to instill confidence in the team despite challenging conditions due to the rain-soaked pitch.
With Singapore and Hong Kong also drawing 0-0 in their match earlier, India now faces tough competition in their group as they prepare for the next rounds of the qualifiers.
