The Indian Men’s Football Team on Thursday earned a crucial three points against Bangladesh in the ongoing Asian Games. Sunil Chhetri scored the only goal of the match from the penalty spot after Bryce Miranda was fouled inside the box late into the second half.
India started the match on the front foot, spreading play to both the wings. The left-wing looked especially menacing, with Bryce Miranda producing some good runs.
Bangladesh looked to counter India on the break, but Sandesh Jhingan and Co. were alert to the danger.
The best chance of the first half fell to India when the Blue Tigers were denied by the Bangladesh goalkeeper. Mitul Marma produced a phenomenal triple-save at the brink of half-time. Both sides headed into the dug out with no breakthrough.
Bangladesh couldn’t capitalise on the chances they had, with Dheeraj Singh making some good outings to nullify the danger.
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The second half started with a lot of promise for both teams as play opened up gradually. Substitute Samuel Kynshi hit the bar from a free kick at the edge of the box. Dheeraj also produced a 1v1 save in the box.
The decisive moment of the game came on the 82nd minute of the game when Bryce Miranda was fouled inside the box. The referee took no time to point to the spot. Indian captain Sunil Chhetri stepped up to take the kick.
Sunil took a short run up and calmly slotted the ball to the right of the goalkeeper. Bangladesh goalie Mitul Marma jumped in the right direction but Chhetri’s shot was well beyond his reach.
With the win, India kept their hope of qualifying for the next round, with three points from two games. The tie between Myanmar and India will be the decisive one for India. Bangladesh, on the other hand, were almost knocked out of the Asian Games courtesy of this loss.
India vs Bangladesh in Asian Games Line-ups
India XI
Dheeraj Singh, Lalchungnunga, Chinglen Sana Singh, Sandesh Jinghan, Ayush Chhetri, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Rahul KP, Sunil Chhetri, Bryce Miranda, Abdul Anjukandan, Rothi Danu
Bangladesh XI
Mitul Marma, Mojibor Rahman Jony, Hasan Murad, Md Ridoy, Rabiul Hasan, Suman Reza, Foysal Ahmed Fahim, Isa Faysal, Jayed Ahmed, Rahmat Mia, Sakil Hossain
