India, Bangladesh share spoils in high-octane AFC Asian Cup qualifier in Shillong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 25, 2025

Football fans turned out in droves to pack the JN Stadium in Shillong today for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier between India and Bangladesh. The two sides played out a thrilling, high-energy goalless draw that kept over 14,900 spectators on the edge of their seats.

Despite India’s dominance on paper and the pitch, Bangladesh walked away with a valuable point — a result they will cherish, having never beaten India on Indian soil.

The match marked a historic occasion for Shillong, hosting its first competitive-level international fixture at the impressively refurbished stadium. Dignitaries in attendance included Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, AIFF Secretary General Anilkumar P, and Meghalaya Football Association President Hamletson Dohling.

India’s head coach Manolo Márquez made five changes from the team that recently beat Maldives, bringing in Boris Singh Thangjam, Udanta Singh, Lalengmawia Ralte, Sandesh Jhingan, and Farukh Choudhary. Sandesh also wore the captain’s armband.

Bangladesh nearly stunned the hosts within seconds of kickoff when a poor clearance from goalkeeper Vishal Kaith gifted Md Mojibor Jony a golden opportunity, only for his shot to hit the side netting. The visitors kept pressing early on, with Md Shariar Emon and Md Shakil Topu combining dangerously up front.

India regrouped after the early scare, gradually gaining control and creating chances. Liston Colaco tested the Bangladesh keeper, and Farukh missed a close-range opportunity after a clever setup from Udanta. Sunil Chhetri came close in the second half but couldn’t convert from Colaco’s pinpoint cross.

Bangladesh’s defensive midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who brings Premier League experience, anchored the visitors with composure, making key interventions and dictating the tempo in midfield.

In the end, both teams walked away with a point, with India left ruing missed chances and Bangladesh celebrating a resilient performance in a high-voltage contest.