DHAKA, March 25, 2025 (BSS)- It was a magnificent performance as Bangladesh put up a great fight forcing mighty India to play a goalless draw in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers match held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, India on Tuesday. 

Bangladesh, ranked 185 in FIFA ranking fought neck to neck with India ranked 126th, wasted number of scoring opportunities in the match, but failed to convert any lacks of proper finishing.

Bangladesh had created panic in the Indian camp in the very first minute of the match. Mujibor Rahman Jonny received the ball after a mistake by Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. If he could able to cut back, Bangladesh could have gone ahead with the first minute.

Bangladesh got the second scoring opportunity in the 10th minute as Mohammad Hridoy failed to capitalize the mistake of Indian goal keeper Vishal Kaith from the vantage position.

Bangladesh, led by debutant Hamza Choudhury, continued to play aggressively giving no room to India in front of their own crowds. India seemed to have lost the pace after escaping two goals early in the match. 

Bangladesh again deprived from another goal when Morsalin's header from the close range narrowly missed the target in the 12th minute.

In the 22nd minute, Captain Topu Barman left the field for sustaining injury. When Topu left the field on a stretcher with injury, Rahmat Mia came on as a replacement. After the departure of Topu, India gradually recognized the boundaries of Bangladesh.  In that sequence, Liston Colaco took a feeble shot from the box in the 28th minute but Bangladesh custodian Mitul Marma foiled the attempt brilliantly.

India missed the easiest chance in the 30th minute from a counter attack. Udanta Singh’s shot was blocked by young defender Shakil Ahmed Topu. However, Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma saved Bangladesh by taking possession of the ball on the second attempt.

Bangladesh had their another chance to end the first half with a lead against India in the 42nd minute when  Mujibor Rahman Jonny   failed to take the advantage despite finding Indian goalkeeper alone  under the bar.

After the resumption, India started attacking from the start of the game. In the 55th minute, Sunil Chhetri could have scored if he had headed off Liston Colasso's cross.

Bangladesh again came close of scoring in the 75th minute as Fahim missed a chance from inside the box off a cross from Rakib. Despite making several changes, coach Javier Cabrera could not change the outcome of the match ultimately.

Hamza Dewan Chowdhury, who plays in the English Premier League, gave his best in his debut match, but the Sheffield United midfielder could not make it momentous with a victory as Bangladesh failed to find the goal despite finding several scoring chances all through the proceeding.

Earlier, Hamza Dewan Choudhury’s dream of wearing the red and green jersey has been finally come true was named in the starting XI for Bangladesh Center back Topu Banram Captained in this match in replace of regular skipper Jamal Bhuiyan.

Bangladesh XI: Topu Barman (c), Md Ridoy, Sheikh Morsalin, Hamza Dewan Choudhury, Shahriar Emon, Rakib Hossain, Shakil Topu, Mitul Marma, Tariq Raihan Kazi,  Mujibor Rahman Jonny and Saad Uddin.

India XI: Vishal Kaith; Rahul Bheke, Subahashish Bose, Sandesh Jhingan (C), Liston Colaco, Farukh Choudhury, Udanta Singh Kumam, Sunil Chhetri, Ayush Chhetri, Lalengmawia Apuia, Roris Singh Thangjam