Bangladesh and India match ended in a goalless draw as both teams started their final 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a point each.
The facnating encounter started in chaotic manner in Shilong on Tuesday (Mar 25), with India keeper Vishal Kaith passing a regulation pass straight to Bangladesh's winger, Mojibor Jony, however, he couldn't make the most of the chance.
That was a theme for the Bangladesh performance as errors in defence and Rakib Hossain ripping apart Sandesh Jhingan every time he had a run at him saw them get chances through the game. Poor finishing, though, let them down.
India created chances sporadically. Liston Colaco, their best player on the night, was a menace with his direct dribbling and set piece delivery. It was off a Liston corner that one of India's two clear-cut chances came: a near post delivery headed wide by Subhasish Bose at the near post. The other came when substitute Mahesh Singh swung in a delightful ball into a free Sunil Chhetri – but the returning legend could merely head it weakly wide.
Bangladesh's pre-match preparation was dominated by news of Hamza Chowdhury debuting for them, but played as a deep lying playmaker he had little impact on the game outside a couple of good challenges in midfield, and a good block off a powerful Chhetri header.
The draw, coming after the 0-0 draw between Singapore and Hong Kong sees all four teams in Group C on a point each after their first matches.
