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Indian Super League

5-star ATK hand Hyderabad a tough introduction

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Kolkata, West Bengal: ATK got over their disappointment in the season opener with a dominant 5-0 win against Hyderabad FC in a Hero Indian Super League clash at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan Stadium here on Friday.

Debutants Hyderabad FC struggled to contain the ATK attack consisting of Roy Krishna and David Williams who opened their accounts for the season. Williams opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a neat finish before Krishna doubled the lead two minutes later with a long-range effort. The Australian forward notched his second goal in the 44th minute to make it 3-0 and to late strikes from Edu Garcia (88’, 90+4’) completed an emphatic win.

The 5-0 result was also ATK’s biggest win at home.

ATK’s gameplan was evident right from the start. They were quick to get on the ball and build attacks. The wave of pressure from the hosts pinned the visitors into their own half and it soon paid dividends.

Hyderabad, who had to replace an injured Rafael Lopez with Marko Stankovic midway through the half, succumbed to the brilliance of the ATK duo of Roy Krishna and David Williams. In the 25th minute, Javier Hernandez fed Williams in behind the defence and the forward, who beat the offside trap, executed a fine finish.

Two minutes later, Williams found Krishna in plenty of space outside the box and the Fijian striker’s firm low shot took a slight touch off goalkeeper Kamaljit Singh’s gloves before rolling into the net.

Hyderabad’s front line of Robin Singh, Giles Barnes and Marcelinho were monitored and kept in check by ATK’s astute three-man defence throughout the first half.

At the stroke of half-time, Williams once again broke free from the offside trap to latch onto Jayesh Rane’s through-ball and finished well past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0 at the half-time whistle.

Michael Soosairaj, who looked threatening from the left wing-back role, embarked on a mazy run from his own box following a Hyderabad corner-kick after the break. The former Jamshedpur winger beat two players on his way up the field, but failed in his attempt to set up Roy Krishna and a dangerous attack came to an abrupt end.

Soosairaj had another shot at the goal after the hour-mark as ATK continued to cruise. Hyderabad were all at sea against an intelligent ATK side.

Substitute Edu Garcia added two more goals to complete Hyderabad’s humiliation. Prabir Das dribbled into the box from the right flank and drilled a ball across the face of the goal in the 88th minute for Garcia to tap in. The duo combined again as the Spaniard headed in Das’ incisive cross in added time to seal the demolition job.

(ISL Media)

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2nd Division League

AIFF League committee meets in New Delhi

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New Delhi: Mr. Subrata Dutta, Senior Vice President, All India Football Federation and Chairman, League Committee chaired AIFF League Committee Meeting at the AIFF Football House in New Delhi today (October 25, 2019). Mr. Kushal Das, General Secretary, AIFF along with Mr. Sunando Dhar, CEO, I-League were present besides League committee members Mr. Souter Vaz, Mr. Anil Kumar and Mr. Chirag Tanna. Mr. Isac Doru, Technical Director, AIFF was also present.

Hero I-League 2019-20 will commence on November 30, 2019 and the official broadcaster will be confirmed within a week.

A maximum of three foreign players can be replaced by a club during the entire course of Hero I-League 2019-20. Maximum of eight officials will be allowed to sit on the bench during a match.

After the meeting between AIFF secretariat and Hero I-League clubs, the U-22 player quota rule will be decided.

The committee reviewed submissions made by the state associations and after several deliberations, the committee has approved ten clubs who’ll undergo the Second Division League club licensing process.

  • Bhawanipore FC
  • Mohammedan SC
  • Lonestar Kashmir FC
  • ARA FC
  • NGR Football Club Jammu
  • Kickstart FC Karnataka
  • FC Bengaluru United
  • FC Kerala
  • Garhwal FC
  • AU Rajasthan FC

Reserve teams of ATK, Jamshedpur FC, Bengaluru FC, Chennaiyin FC, FC Goa, Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC, Hyderabad FC, Punjab FC alongside a developmental team of AIFF will also participate in the Hero Second Division League 2019-20.

The committee was apprised of the development of Hero Indian Women’s League, Khelo India Girls Football League (U17) and Golden Baby League.

(I-League Media)

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Indian Super League

Mumbai City open win account in Kochi

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Kochi, Kerala: A late goal from Amine Chermiti saw Mumbai City FC stun Kerala Blasters FC in a closely-fought Hero Indian Super League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.

The teams had several half-chances to break the deadlock but lacked an end product for most of the game until Chermiti’s smart 82nd-minute finish settled the contest.

While the result meant Mumbai start their season with a win, it was also their first-ever win over Kerala Blasters in Kochi.

Kerala Blasters struggled to test Amrinder Singh early on while Mumbai resorted to aerial balls and floating crosses into the box at the other end.

A Diego Carlos cross into the box from the right flank in the 10th minute had the home defence under pressure but Mohamed Larbi’s weak header fell straight into the hands of goalkeeper Bilal Khan.

Mumbai continued to threaten and Carlos outpaced Jessel Carneiro on the right flank again in the 19th minute. This time around, the former FC Pune City player attempted a powerful strike from a tight angle, forcing Bilal Khan to come up with a reflex save at his near post.

At the other end, a foul by Souvik Chakrabarti allowed Sergio Cidoncha to swing a free-kick into the box from the left a few minutes later. Bartholomew Ogbeche got to the end of it at the far post but headed wide from close. The hosts had another chance at the stroke of half-time when Cidoncha whipped another one in from a similar position, but Jairo’s powerful header was saved by Amrinder Singh at the near post.

Mumbai started on the front foot after the change of ends and went close in the 53rd minute. Larbi’s cross from the left found Modou Sougou unmarked in the centre of the box but the Senegalese striker’s first-time shot flew wide.

The game continued to swing from one half-chance to another at both ends. Minutes after the hour mark, a Cidoncha corner was headed clear by the Mumbai defence, straight to Carneiro who unleashed a thunderous, outside-the-boot strike that flew just over Amrinder’s goal.

Just when it seemed like spoils would be shared in Kochi, Chermiti stunned the Kerala crowd with a late goal. Souvik Chakrabarti played a low cross into the box from the right flank which the Kerala defence failed to clear. The Tunisian striker, who was waiting in the centre, slotted the ball into the net with a fantastic first-time shot.

In a last-gasp attempt to get back into the game, Ogbeche latched on to a chip by Sahal Abdul Samad inside the box but the Nigerian’s swivelling strike from close-range was miraculously saved by Amrinder as Mumbai returned home with three points.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

Goa on song in opener against Chennaiyin FC

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Margao, Goa: FC Goa struck the right chords on the field to ease past Chennaiyin FC 3-0 in their first game of the Hero Indian Super League 2019-20 season at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.

The ISL runners-up were a step ahead of their opponents in all areas of the field and were the better team overall. New signing Seiminlen Doungel scored on his debut to break the deadlock in the 30th minute. All-time ISL top-scorer Ferran Corominas struck in the 62nd minute and substitute Carlos Pena added a third in the 81st minute to consign an unimpressive Chennaiyin to a defeat.

The hosts were quick to get on the ball and spray passes around right from the start. However, it were the visitors who first went close when Dragos Firtulescu was fed through on goal in the 12th minute. A last-ditch Seriton Fernandes challenge prevented a catastrophic start for the hosts.

Sergio Lobera’s men soon regained their rhythm to pose a serious threat to the Chennaiyin defence. In the 19th minute, Ferran Corominas picked up the ball from midfield and released Seiminlen Doungel into the box. Chennaiyin goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was on to the ball in a flash before Goa’s new signing could pounce and take a shot. A minute later, Manvir Singh attempted a powerful strike after making room for himself at the edge of the box and once again, Kaith was up to the task, pulling off a diving save to his left.

Goa’s intent in the attacking third was rewarded at the half an hour mark. Manvir Singh beat his marker and crossed into the box from the right flank. The striker’s cross took a double deflection off Eli Sabia and Doungel before rolling into the net.

The hosts remained on top of the game and refused to sit back after taking the lead. Brandon Fernandes’ piledriver just before half-time had Vishal Kaith well beaten but the ball flew just wide. Ferran Corominas’s curling effort a minute later was tipped away by an acrobatic Kaith who kept Chennaiyin in the game.

John Gregory replaced Dhanpal Ganesh with the more creative Anirudh Thapa in midfield to swing the contest back in his team’s favour. The hosts, however, proved difficult to break down.

Goa continued to create chances and soon doubled their lead. Manvir Singh broke away through the middle and found Jackichand Singh in space to his right. The winger’s low cross into the center of the box was guided into the net in by ISL’s all-time top scorer Ferran Corominas who scored his 35th league goal.

Chennaiyin struggled in the attacking third and were unable to find a way back into the game. Lallianzuala Chhangte did have a chance to pull one back when he tried to curl the ball into the top right corner from the edge of the box, but Mohammed Nawaz produced a brilliant save to preserve Goa’s clean sheet.

FC Goa added a third in the 81st minute and sealed the win when a Brandon free-kick from the left was poked into the net by Carlos Pena at the near post.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

10-man Jamshedpur deliver a killer blow to Odisha

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Jamshedpur, Jharkhand: A 10-man Jamshedpur FC overcame the odds and put up a spirited fight to defeat Odisha FC 2-1 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex here on Tuesday.

Farukh Choudhary broke the deadlock in the 17th minute fortuitously, but the lead was put in danger by a red card that Bikash Jairu picked up with 10 minutes to go for the half-time whistle. Aridane Santana stuck soon after to restore parity for Odisha FC but a fighting second-half culminated in Sergio Castel finding a winner in the 85th minute for the hosts.

The teams looked to get on the scoresheet early and it were Odisha FC that threatened first. Xisco Hernandez fed Jerry Mawhmingthanga down the right flank and the winger’s floating cross was headed just wide by Aridane Santana.

Odisha continued to push and went close again four minutes later. Xisco split the Jamshedpur defence to send Jerry free down the right flank but the former Jamshedpur winger’s curling effort ricocheted off the post.

Fortune, however, favoured Jamshedpur as they eased into a one-goal lead in the 17th minute. Noe Acosta found Farukh Choudhary in space on the right flank and the Indian forward’s drilled effort into the box took a deflection off defender Rana Gharami and bulged the net.

Jamshedpur bossed the midfield after scoring the opening goal but Odisha’s efforts to get back into the game were helped by a straight red card for Bikash Jairu. With Jerry getting in behind the defence and having just the goalkeeper to beat in the 35th minute, Jairu slid in and brought the 22-year-old down.

The visitors made the most of the one-man advantage and equalised five minutes later. Jerry was influential again as he sent a low cross into the centre from the right for Santana who produced a stunning first-time strike to silence the home crowd.

Odisha had more of the ball after the break, utilising the space that was opened up due to the sending off. However, there were chances created at both ends of the field.

Santana set Nandhakumar Sekar up perfectly inside the box after a neat one-two but Joyner Lourenco’s timely intervention denied the visitors a shot on target. Jamshedpur then found themselves in a two-on-one attacking scenario but Farukh’s cross, intended for Castel in the centre, was cut off by Shubham Sarangi just in time.

The game was stretched and the teams found space on counter-attacks. Farukh missed a glorious chance to score in one such speedy push forward as Piti lobbed the ball into space for Sergio Castel to chase. The striker squared it to the India forward who wrongly chose to return the favour and lost the ball.

A 10-man Jamshedpur were finally rewarded for their resilience in the 85th minute. Piti found Castel in space once again on the counter and the striker dinked the ball over onrushing goalkeeper Francisco Dorronsoro to net what turned out to be the crucial match-winner.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

Gritty NorthEast take away a point from Bengaluru on a rainy night at Kanteerava

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Bengaluru, Karnataka: Defending champions Bengaluru FC were held to a goalless draw by a spirited NorthEast United FC in their first game of the 2019-20 Hero Indian Super League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Monday.

There were debuts handed out to several new signings, including Asamoah Gyan, Raphael Augusto and Ashique Kuruniyan, but the teams couldn’t be separated at the end of 90 minutes in what was a riveting contest.

Bengaluru got off the blocks quickly and pressed NorthEast high up the field.

Ashique announced his arrival with a trademark solo run from the left-back position in the 15th minute. The former FC Pune City player beat three players on his way into the box but shot wide of the mark.

NorthEast United were pinned to their own half in the early stages but were the first to have a shot on target. Collecting a layoff from Asamoah Gyan, Uruguayan Martin Chaves dribbled past Juanan and forced a diving save from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in the 21st minute.

A few minutes later, Raphael Augusto split the Highlanders’ defence with an exquisite pass that released Udanta into the box but the Indian winger failed to test the goalkeeper with a wayward shot from a promising position.

The intensity dropped as the first half wore on. The Bengaluru defence failed to clear a loose ball inside the box after the half-hour mark and Rahul Bheke’s header back to Gurpreet ended up with Chaves who slashed wide in front of an open goal.

The game opened up after the break and both teams started finding openings. Martin Chaves’ rampaging run through the centre in the 52nd minute caught the Bengaluru defence off-guard. The forward found Gyan in space inside the box and the Ghanaian striker’s splendid effort bounced back off the bar.

Bengaluru, however, responded by fashioning two huge chances. Sunil Chhetri won a header at the back post and found Michael Onwu at point-blank range but he could not sort his feet out in time and the danger was cleared.

A headed clearance by Mislav Komorski after the hour-mark fell to Nishu Kumar who unleashed a powerful strike at the goal which Subhasish Roy Chowdhury in the Highlanders’ goal brilliantly kept out with one hand while diving to his right.

Carles Cuadrat brought Eugeneson Lyngdoh on with less than ten minutes to go as Bengaluru tried to find a late winner but the NorthEast defence, led by Komorski and Kai Heerings, and screened by an ever-present Jose Leudo in midfield, did well to close the gaps, frustrate the hosts and pick up a point.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

Bengaluru FC have a chance to script history as they begin title defence at home

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Bengaluru, Karnataka: Defending Hero Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC will be keen to pick up from where they left at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium the last time. The Blues registered a come-from-behind win against NorthEast United FC in the two-legged playoff en route the final in 2018-19.

The same opponents come calling in their 2019-20 season opener and Bengaluru FC could rewrite history by becoming the first team to win consecutive Hero ISL titles.

While coach Carles Cuadrat admitted that it’s ‘strange’ that none of the teams have been able to retain their title, Bengaluru’s focus is to ensure that they make it to the play-offs first and only then focus on clinching the silverware.

“I tell my players to be competitive so that we can reach the play-offs. Then one bad game and you are out. It is not abnormal. No team has won it twice. It is a strange thing. It’s not our job to defend the title but right now (the job is) to reach the play-offs. After that we will do our best to win the title,” said the Spaniard.

Despite the departure of the stars of the previous season, NorthEast United have made substantial acquisitions and Cuadrat remains wary of the Highlanders.

“NorthEast United is a completely different team with a different coach and so I am expecting a lot of competition. It is going to be a tough game for us. We have no idea about what NorthEast is going to offer. They have made some good signings like Asamoah Gyan. They also have other good players in their squad but it makes no sense for us to think about that. We have to focus on how we are going to prepare,” he pointed out.

Though they are the defending champions, Cuadrat is under no illusions that it is going to be an easy season for them. The Spaniard felt that other teams have upped their game and expects the race to the playoffs to be a close one.

“It is going to be difficult for us this season. A lot of teams have spent a lot of money and they are going to be very competitive so I think that we have to keep working but not feel the pressure.”

The Blues have made several additions to the squad in the summer such as striker Manuel Onwu who would have the unenviable task of replacing the prolific Miku.

“We had to leave Miku because of economics. But the new players have all the skill-sets we want. Miku is good for one thing and our current players suit different dynamics,” he explained.

Meanwhile, NorthEast United coach Robert Jarni also felt that the changes Bengaluru FC have made to their squad will pose some trouble for the Highlanders.

“Bengaluru FC have made some changes from last season. Also, we have some new players. We believe that we can do something good against them. We are confident and will try to bring the three points,” signed off the former Croatia Under-19 coach.

(ISL Media | Image: BFC Media)

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Indian Super League

Ogbeche the hero as Kerala strike down ATK in ISL opener

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Kochi, Kerala: Two-time champions ATK scored their 100th goal in the Hero Indian Super League but that wasn’t enough to provide them with any joy in the opening match of the sixth edition at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi on Sunday.

Carl McHugh had put ATK ahead with an absolute stunner in only the sixth minute of the game but the hosts, egged on by a vociferous crowd, hit back with two goals from new signing Bartholomew Ogbeche in the first half itself for a 2-1 victory.

The result sees Kerala get the better of ATK in their ISL opener once again, having recorded a 2-0 win last season in Kolkata.

The game got off to an electrifying start with the visitors stunning the packed crowd early in the game. ATK capitalised on a free-kick given for a foul on Jayesh Rane by Jeakson Singh. The set-piece into the box was cushioned back for McHugh by Agustin García Iniguez at the far post. The Irishman went on to slam a brilliant first-time volley with his left foot that gave Bilal Khan in the Kerala goal no chance whatsoever.

With the wind in their sails from an early goal, ATK continued to press Kerala relentlessly and fashioned several chances to double their lead, the best of which came in the 22nd minute. Roy Krishna embarked on a sizzling run from midfield, going past a couple of Kerala defenders into the box, but opted to slide it for Javier Hernandez rather than shoot himself and the ball trickled away.

A rattled Kerala were handed a lifeline into the game when ATK winger Michael Soosairaj went down in the box under Sergio Cidoncha’s challenge. But the referee waved away the protests and Kerala won a corner from the ensuing counter-attack.

That set-piece would produce the equaliser for Kerala. Ogbeche saw his looping header from the far post come back off the upright, only for Pronay Halder to pull down Jairo Rodriguez who was about to slot it in. The referee awarded the spotkick and Ogbeche made no mistake in beating Arindam Bhattacharja to lift the spirits of the home support.

The Men in Yellow started to enjoy more time on the ball following the equaliser and stormed into the lead just before half-time. Pronay failed to clear a low cross from Prasanth Karuthadathkuni and the loose ball was driven in smartly by a lurking Ogbeche.

Kerala continued their ascendancy at the start of the second half as well, keeping the ball well and forcing errors from ATK.

However, Krishna continued to threaten the Kerala defence, although his finishing let the visitors down. In the 69th minute, the Fijian was sent through on goal but a sliding tackle from Jairo meant the chance went begging.

Shortly after, Krishna saw another shot from close-range blocked away by substitute Mario Arques.

But Eelco Schattorie’s team held their nerves and fashioned a few chances of their own. Ultimately, they saw off the game quite comfortably to start their campaign on a winning note.

(ISL Media)

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Indian Super League

Kerala Blasters keen to hit the ground running

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Kochi, Kerala: Season six of the Hero Indian Super League is all set to kick off with a blockbuster fixture which sees two-time finalists Kerala Blasters FC take on two-time winners ATK at the Jawaharlal Nehru international stadium in Kochi on Sunday.

With a huge and expectant fanbase looking on eagerly, Kerala Blasters’ new coach Eelco Schattorie knows that he has a considerable task on his hands.

The Dutchman, after a successful season with NorthEast United, is expected to work his magic with the Kochi-based outfit. And what better way than starting with a win over ATK who have one of the strongest squads on paper this year.

“Opening games are always difficult, there is going to be huge expectations, that is part of the game. It is all about stabilising the team, I think we are ready to face ATK. They have a very strong squad and are one of the best teams in the league,” Schattorie said.

Blasters last reached the play-offs in 2016 and have made quite a few managerial appointments in their bid to reach the last four in recent times. Schattorie is aware of the fact and is hoping that he can bring an element of stability to the club.

“ATK, NEUFC and Kerala have had the most amount of coaches. So, it is all about getting stability. Here, I have a good relationship with management. I think we have better depth than I had last year.

“It is not like a tomato soup where I can copy all the ingredients (from a successful season with NorthEast). The whole team is almost new. But I am ready to take up the challenge.”

Kerala Blasters have revamped their entire foreign contingent, bringing in some established names like Bartholomew Ogbeche, Gianni Zuiverloon, Mario Arques and the likes apart from a few promising players like Raphaël Messi Bouli.

They also have a few young Indian stars like Sahal Abdul Samad. But the absence of Sandesh Jhingan will be a huge blow for them. Though they have brought in a replacement in Raju Gaikwad, Schattorie concedes that their preparations have been far from ideal.

“We have a great team, we bought good foreigners. Preseason was not how I wanted it to be. We did not have the perfect preparation. We had some foreign players arriving with injuries. We are 2-3 weeks behind, we need to catch up.

“I have worked with Raju before and we needed another centre back with experience. His fitness is not up to the mark and he didn’t have a preseason. But the atmosphere is in the squad is good.”

(ISL Media)

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World Cup Qualifiers

Adil Khan strikes late as India draw against Bangladesh in Kolkata

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Kolkata, West Bengal: India picked up a point in their third match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Joint Qualifiers, as they drew 1-1 against neighbours Bangladesh at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Stadium, in Kolkata, on Tuesday, October 15, 2019.

Saad Uddin had put Bangladesh in front in the first half, but India centreback Adil Khan equalised late in the game to draw the home side level.

The Blue Tigers went chasing the three points from the very start, as Sunil Chhetri had an early shot on goal saved by Bangladesh goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana.

Ten minutes into the game, India had their golden chance as Mandar Rao Dessai floated a ball towards the far post, where an airborne Rahul Bheke knocked it back, but there was nobody present to capitalise on the chance, as the Bangladesh defence cleared their lines.

Bheke had yet another chance a few minutes later, when he won a free header from a corner. However, his header flew over the bar. With around 10 minutes of regulation time to go in the first half, Manvir Singh hit the target, as he cheekily back-headed, but a fully-stretched Ashraful managed to tip it over the bar.

As we moved closer to the half-time break, Saad Uddin managed to get on to the end of a set-piece from the left flank, past an outstretched Gurpreet, to put Bangladesh in the lead.

India came out with more conviction in the second half, but Bangladesh kept trying their luck on the break, as Ziban broke free, but Gurpreet rushed out of his line to make a last-ditch save.

As we inched closer to the hour mark, Anas Edathodika rose above his marker to power his header off an Anirudh Thapa corner, but Mohammad Ibrahim leaped high to head it off the line.

Soon after, Sunil Chhetri played Udanta through on the right, as the winger out-paced his marker and crossed it into the box, but there was nobody present to connect with the ball that flew across the face of the goal.

India head coach Igor Stimac rolled the dice in the second half, bringing on playmaker Brandon Fernandes in place of Mandar Rao Dessai, while winger Lallianzuala Chhangte came on for center-back Anas Edathodika.

With less than two minutes of regulation time left, it was Adil Khan, who came up with the equaliser, as he glanced his header past the near post, and into the back of the net.

India gave it an almighty effort in the closing stages of the match. Four minutes into injury time, Sunil Chhetri brought down an aerial ball for an unmarked Manvir Singh, who volleyed it wide.

Both the teams ended the day with a point apiece, as India remain on the fourth spot in Group E of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Joint Qualifiers.

(AIFF Media)

The Team

India: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK), Rahul Bheke, Adil Khan, Anas Edathodika (Lallianzuala Chhangte 76’), Mandar Rao Dessai (Brandon Fernandes 57’), Anirudh Thapa (Raynier Fernandes 68’), Sahal Abdul Samad, Udanta Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Manvir Singh, Sunil Chhetri (C)

Final Score: India 1 (Adil Khan 88’) drew with Bangladesh 1 (Saad Uddin 41’)

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