India vs Bangladesh: Sunil Chhetri & Co. Held To Frustrating 0-0 Draw

In what could have been a golden opportunity for Manolo Marquez’s Indian football team to win 2 games on the bounce, ended in a frustrating 0-0 draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on 25^th March 2025.

A clash that did the rounds on the internet and social media ahead of the game, didn’t live up to its billing and India were left frustrated with just a point. This AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier game saw both the teams trying their level best to secure a win but ultimately, the spoils were shared.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma was on top of his game as he denied the Indians, the opportunities to net goals. In the 31^st minute of the game, Udanta Singh missed a golden opportunity to score a goal through a loopy cross by Liston Colaco.

In the 68^th minute of the game, defender Subhashish Bose missed an opportunity. Post that, in the 84^th minute of the game, talismanic striker Sunil Chhetri, missed a sitter of an opportunity from close range.

Hamza Chowdhury, who has previously played for Leicester City in the Premier League, proved the hype surrounding him. His defensive prowess came into the limelight and he did a fantastic role in the defensive midfield region. His raw pace, quick thinking and his tactical acumen, helped him stand out among the other Bangladeshi players.

In the Post-match Press Conference, Head Coach Manolo Marquez did not mince his words and he rated this game as a “poor performance” of the Indian football team.

“If you ask me, maybe today is the most difficult press conference in my career because I don’t want to say all the things that are in my head in this moment. We played a bad game and that’s all. In the second half we tried, but not enough. I am very angry, disappointed with everyone. I do not have words for this poor performance,” said Manolo Marquez.

India next play with Hong Kong on 10^th June 2025

India’s next assignment in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers is on 10^th June 2025 when they lock horns with Hong Kong. Manolo Marquez and co. also have a game versus Singapore on 9^th October 2025.