India Held in Stalemate by Spirited Bangladesh in AFC Qualifier Opener

India's AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers campaign commenced with a goalless draw against Bangladesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Despite some initial defensive lapses, India intensified their attack in the second half. Both Singapore and Hong Kong also ended their first match in a 0-0 draw in the group's matches.

India's opening match in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers ended in a goalless draw against Bangladesh at Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Bangladesh's early attacks exposed vulnerabilities in India's defense, but the Blue Tigers regained composure after halftime, pushing forward energetically in response to the 15,000-strong home crowd.

Coach Manolo Marquez made strategic changes from the team that had recently secured a victory over Maldives, including new starters like Sandesh Jhingan, the newly appointed captain. However, shaky moments in the early game included a scare when keeper Vishal Kaith's failed clearance almost led to a goal for Bangladesh.

As tensions eased, India controlled the midfield and crafted opportunities, with Liston Colaco and Sunil Chhetri coming close to scoring. Bangladesh's defensive halftime adjustments, led by seasoned Hamza Choudhury, repelled Indian advances, maintaining the stalemate by full-time in Shillong.

(With inputs from agencies.)