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The first-ever goalless draw between India and Bangladesh, since 1999, transpired in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier between both sides in Shillong.
Bangladesh’s Hamza Choudhury vies for the ball against India’s Liston Colaco (AIFF)
Indian men’s football team were held to a goalless draw by Bangladesh in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday.
The Blue Tigers almost got off the worst possible start. From kick-off, Hamza Choudhury looked to spray a long ball in behind the Indian defenders but Apiua had managed to get a touch. As the ball was about to go for a corner, which Vishal Kaith tried to prevent but ended up kicking it straight to Mohammad Mojibor Rony, who somehow missed an open goal.
Sunil Chhetri waved his men forward.
But again in the 12th minute, another mistake could have cost India. Kaith had gathered Hamza’s corner but in trying to release the ball quickly. Mohammad Shakil Topu got it in the way. The lost ball fell to Mohammad Ridoy and he had a shot at goal. Subhasish Bose slid in at the last moment to make a sliding block.
The stands erupted.
Come the 30th minute, India got their first attempt on goal. Liston Colaco finally got his cross right after being played in behind by Subhasish. Udanta Singh met the cross from the opposite wing but his attempt was heading wide before Topu cleared the ball only till Farukh Choudhary, whose shot was hit straight at the keeper Mitul Marma from point-blank range.
Chhetri looked a lonely figure up top even as Liston attempted his tricks and flicks.
In the closing moments of the first of the first half, Kaith was forced into another critical save after Sandesh Jhingan failed to hold off his man. The Indian keeper was forced to lunge at the feet of Jony and got most of the ball to force the scoreline to be goalless at the break.
After the restart, India found their mojo in attack.
Liston looked lively again as Udanta too on the right. With the clock nearing the hour mark, Liston’s corner found Chhetri unmarked inside the box but Hamza did well to jump higher and block the header with his chest.
Subhasish had to great chances five minutes apart but both chances were close but did not change the scoreline. A long-range effort with his right foot whisked just over the bar as his header into the ground bounced just wide.
The left-back was called into action soon after he had to make up for another Kaith blunder in goal.
Manolo Marquez made changes bringing in Suresh Singh, Naorem Mahesh, Irfan Yadwad, Ashique Kurniyan, and debutant Brison Fernandez.
The goal just did not come even as the 14,952-strong crowd in Shillong cheered through the game.
- Location :
Shillong, India, India
