Bangladesh and India played out a goalless draw in the first leg of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers' final round at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday.
Despite the stalemate, Bangladesh dominated the first half, creating multiple clear-cut opportunities to break the deadlock. The visitors nearly took an early lead in the opening minute when Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith’s misplaced clearance fell to Mojibor Rahman Jony, but the midfielder’s shot struck the side netting.
India responded in the sixth minute with a swift counterattack as Boris Singh Thangjam played a through ball to forward Farukh Haji Choudhary, only for veteran Bangladesh defender Topu Barman to intercept and deny the chance.
Bangladesh continued to press, fashioning two more opportunities between the ninth and tenth minutes. Shekh Morsalin failed to direct his header from a long free-kick by Shakil Ahmed Topu, before India’s Subhasish Bose made a crucial goal-line clearance.
Kaith had another nervy moment when he attempted to release the ball after catching a corner, inadvertently striking an opposition player. The ball ricocheted into the box, but Bose was again on hand to clear the danger as Md Ridoy closed in.
In the 17th minute, Bangladesh captain Topu and forward Sahariar failed to connect with a long cross from Morsalin. Topu sustained an injury while attempting to make contact and was forced off a few minutes later, replaced by defender Rahmat Mia.
India’s most dangerous opportunity of the first half came in the 31st minute when Udanta Singh’s header was cleared off the line by Shakil Ahmed Topu. Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma then produced a fine save to deny the rebound effort from Farukh.
Rakib Hossain and Jony were both thwarted by Kaith in the 36th and 41st minutes, with the Indian goalkeeper coming off his line to smother a one-on-one chance for Jony just before halftime.
India ramped up the pressure in the second half, forcing Bangladesh to defend resolutely. However, the visitors maintained their composure and held firm against the waves of Indian attacks.
Bangladesh had a golden opportunity in the 88th minute when substitute Foysal Ahmed Fahim unleashed a long-range effort, but Kaith once again made a vital save to keep the scores level.
In the final moments of stoppage time, Rakib sent a shot off target, and the match concluded in a 0-0 draw, leaving the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg.
BDST: 0910 HRS, MAR 26, 2025
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