Shillong ∙ India forgot the energy of Sunil Chhetri’s comeback in one match. India, which defeated Maldives 3-0 in a friendly match the other day, was held to a goalless draw by Bangladesh in the Asian Cup football qualifiers yesterday. Despite playing all 90 minutes, Chhetri could not put the ball in the Bangladesh net. With the Hong Kong-Singapore match also drawing yesterday, all the teams in Group C have one point. India’s next match is against Hong Kong on June 10 at their home ground.
Sunil Chhetri’s goal attempt. Photo: X@AIFF
Bangladesh, who were confident with the arrival of defensive midfielder Hamza Chowdhury, who plays for English club Sheffield United, easily resisted India’s slow advances. They were also slightly better in attack in the first half. In the 12th minute, a ball lost by Indian goalkeeper Vishal Keith was aimed at the goal by Bangladesh player Mohammed Ridhoy, but Subhashish Bose became India’s savior with a goal-line clearance. In the 31st minute, Udanta Singh’s header from Liston Collazo’s cross was saved by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma, which was also disappointing for India. Although India played more energetically in the second half, luck and hard work helped Bangladesh. In the 68th minute, a long-ranger by Subhashish beat Mitul but went wide. Five minutes later, Farooq Choudhary’s shot also deflected off the body of a Bangladesh defender. Sunil Chhetri also had a beautiful chance in the 84th minute, but his header was neither on target nor powerful.
