AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers | Honours even between India and Bangladesh after a scrappy affair

India held to goalless draw by Bangladesh in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers despite Sunil Chhetri's return; coach expresses disappointment.

India suffered a blow in its quest for a spot in the AFC Asian Cup main round as it was held to a goalless draw by a spirited Bangladesh in a Group-C league match in the final-round qualifiers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.

The capacity crowd’s vociferous support did not help the host’s prospects as it failed to convert its chances.

Despite getting its ace striker Sunil Chhetri back from international retirement, India struggled to utilise the scoring opportunities that came its way in fairly good numbers.

In the first quarter, a determined Bangladesh attack exposed the host’s lack of coordination and balance.

The visitor was helped along by some initial goalkeeping errors committed by Vishal Kaith, who made a costly slip-up in the very first minute, sending an attempted clearance to an unmarked Bangladesh midfielder Mojibor Jony on top of his own box.

The situation was saved as Jony’s attempt hit the side netting. Vishal’s hastiness got India into a crisis once again in the 11th minute as he hit a Bangladesh player while trying to release the ball ahead.

Bangladesh forward Shahriar Emon found the rebound but his attempt was cleared off the line by an alert Subhasish Bose.