SHILLONG: The fans came out in large numbers, making their presence felt with some lusty cheering. But India, playing their second international match at the JN Stadium here, could not give them the joy they had hoped for as their opening AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Bangladesh ended 0-0 on Tuesday.
With the other match of Group C between Hong Kong and Singapore also ending in a 0-0 draw, all four in the group are level on one point each with five more games left to decide the toppers and eventual qualifiers for the tournament to be held Saudi Arabia in 2027.
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The match began on a frustrating note for India as they could have been two goals behind within the opening 20 minutes — due to silly mistakes by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith and Sandesh Jhingan. While Mojibor Jony failed to slot home a terrible clearance from Kaith in the opening minute, Shariyar Emon glanced wide a gorgeous cross from Mohammed Shakil Topu.
India managed more possession in the first half but it was Hamza Choudhury’s game reading in midfield that kept Bangladesh in the hunt for a breakthrough. While Mohd Ridoy’s clearance of a Liston Colaco free-kick in the 23rd minute could have ended in an own goal, it was in the 31st minute that the best chance of the half came for India.
Colaco sent a cross from the left flank to the right of the goal after combining from behind with Subhasish Bose. But Udanta’s diving header was saved by Bangladesh custodian Mitul Marma, who then went on to collect Farukh’s soft try from the ensuing rebound. The chance lifted India’s game with Colaco looking more dangerous and Sunil Chhetri lurking more often near the goal. However, the constant cheers from the stands could not inspire a breakthrough.
India started the second half with more purpose. But with Hamza Choudhury marking Chhetri during set-pieces, the Indian legend failed to win his duels with the former Premier League veteran.
Manolo Marquez’s ‘men in blue’ did come close in the 55th and 57th minutes. First, Colaco’s curling header evaded an onrushing Chhetri, and then Hamza blocked the comeback man’s shot.
