India 0-0 Bangladesh Player Ratings: The Bengal Tigers trap the Blue Tigers in a deadlock

India and Bangladesh met each other at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Meghalaya for the first qualification match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027. The Sheffield United Midfielder Hamza Choudhury was the man of attention as he made his Debut for the Bangladesh National Team. During a pre match presser, a Bangladeshi member said that he agrees that Chhetri is a legend in Indian Football, but with all due respect, Hamza was a Premier League Player. For this reason, everyone keenly looked over the Hamza-Chhetri rivalry.

The game began with Bangladesh’s kick and in the very second touch, they launched a long ball that was miskicked by Vishal Kaith, which directly went to the Bangladeshi Player, which by a stroke of luck did not go in. India did not start in the way that they wanted. The game continued with midfield domination and the Bengal Tigers frequently came into the boundaries of the Blue Tigers.

Once again the constant pressure led to Vishal Kaith committing yet another mistake while making a long shot to the opponent’s half. The volley was hit on a Bangladeshi Player just outside the box, which gave the ball directly to a Bangladeshi Player who had an open post. However, to India’s rescue, Subhasish Bose made a sliding goal line clearance to deny the Bengal Tigers opening their account.

The Bangladeshi wingers constantly made efforts to contribute towards a goal by making some crosses inside the box, which missed the goal by a few inches. India failed to find their rhythm in the game until the 31st minute when Liston made a beautiful cross from the left wing which was headed by a diving Udanta Singh that could have led to a goal. However, the opponent keeper had an easy save, and he made sure that the ball was safe in his hands.

The first half then progressed with some ruffles but none of them opened an account for each of the teams, and at half time the score was 0-0 with both teams failing to break the deadlock.

The second half remained relatively very slow, but this time instead of Bangladesh, it was India who initiated the attack. Slowly, India kept knocking in the opponent and progressively they found momentum and rhythm in the match. Liston Colaco kept on doing what he did in the first half. One such key chance was created in the late minutes of the match where his cross found the head of Chhetri. However, the lack of power and accuracy prevented India from scoring the goal.

At full time, the score was 0-0 with both teams failing to break the deadlock. A frustrating night for India, whereas a sigh of relief for Bangladesh.

Here are the India vs Bangladesh Player Ratings.

India Player Ratings

GK – Vishal Kaith – 4.5/10

Had a very terrible first half, making two major errors that were destined to be two goals for Bangladesh. Although to his luck, both of them shook the net. Made an important save in a 1v1 situation to deny further activities by the Bangladeshi forwards in the Indian box. Though not challenged by the opponent team, he was challenged by himself.

LB – Subhasish Bose – 7/10

The Mohun Bagan captain did nothing short of what he does for his club. Stood like a leader, making blocks and tackles, keeping Rakib Hossain away. Made a crucial goal line save in the initial minutes that came from the mistake of Vishal Kaith. Made a cameo role in the attacking their putting the keeper and defenders to some real tests.

CB – Sandesh Jinghan – 6.5/10

Initially, there were communication gaps with Udanta Singh, but later he stood like a tall wall heading out all the long throw-ins made by the Bangladeshi Players. Along with Subhasish Bose, he created a defensive wall that was unbreakable for the Bengal Attackers. Ensured that no free spaces were left forward.

CB – Rahul Bheke – 6/10

Made some key blocks and interceptions within the box. Properly shadowed Emon and Sheik Morsalin and did not let them progress their attack forward. Made blocks and clearances whenever needed and did not take a risky approach.

RB – Boris Singh – 5/10

Invited some danger multiple times which happened due to the lack of communication with the goalkeeper. Though he tried to make contributions in the attacking third, everything went to vain.

LM – Liston Colaco – 7/10

Made some key crosses from the left wing that went exactly to the blue jersey. Made a solid run during a counterattack; however, had to shoot the ball from outside the box due to lack of support. Had some dribbles that made the job of Hamza and Rahmat hectic. However, their physical presence in the match made it difficult for him.

CM – Ayush Chhetri – 6/10

The young FC Goa player made some good movements with the ball. Found space and properly infiltrated through that. Won some fouls that were key for building India’s momentum in the game.

CM – Apuia – 6/10

Marshalled the midfield by making interceptions and clearances. Won some duels with the Bangladeshi midfielders and was seen almost everywhere in the midfield.

RM – Udanta Singh – 6/10

Came in as an injury replacement with high hopes. Although he did his best on the right wing, most of the attempts did not see results. Did not contribute to the expectations of the coach and was subbed off in the second half.

CF – Sunil Chhetri – 6.5/10

Was given the duty of making sure Hamza did not get balls frequently, which he found hard to accomplish. Got some quality crosses from Liston but it missed his head by inches. Lurked in the second post during set pieces, which disturbed the defenders. Got a free header in the 84th minute that could have won it for India, however missed it. Was immediately subbed off after that attempt.

CF – Farukh Chowdary -6/10

Made some shots from inside the box. While some of them saw the target, most of them were either hit with a lot of pressure, or some did not have strength at all. Slipped while attempting to make a shot where only the goalkeeper was in ahead of him.

Sub – Naorem Mahesh Singh – 6.5/10

Sub – Suresh Singh Wangjam – 6/10

Sub – Ashique – 6/10

Sub – Brandon Fernandes – 6/10

Sub – Irfan Yadwad – 6/10

Coach – Monolo Marquez – 6/10

Did not find a means to attack in the game. He was seen frustrated and angry in the post-match interview. Did not get the result he wanted, but there is always room for improvement.

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Bangladesh Player Ratings

GK – Mitul Marma – 6.5/10

Did not have a big role in the first half, except for a few shots. The young keeper was tested multiple times in the second half, but he made zero mistakes.

LB – Saad Uddin – 6/10

Made some important blocks and won some duels with Farukh resisting him from making progress. Other than he had a minimal role in the match.

CB – Tariq Kazi – 6.5/10

He was put to the test by Liston Colaco by closing his space, but maintained his cool and sorted the situation expertly.

CB – Topu Barman -7/10

He was one of the most experienced Bengal Tigers coming into the game. Marked his presence in both the attack and defense. However was injured in the initial minutes and had to be taken back in a stretcher.

RB – Shakil Ahad – 6/10

Made some important interceptions and tackles; however, apart from that, the player’s impact was minimal.

CM- Mojibur Jony – 6/10

Missed an open goal chance in the very first minute by hitting the ball into the side netting. Was a bit physical and made some rash fouls in the match.

CM – Hamza Choudhury – 7/10

Though the result was not in favour of both teams, Hamza had an impressive debut. Crafted the entire game in the midfield, which the Blue Tigers found hard to break. Though Liston made his job difficult, Hamza’s physical dominance made Liston struggle to get past him in certain moments. Had the responsibility of shadowing Chhetri and he ensured this by making blocks to the header attempted by Chhetri.

CM -MD Ridoy – 5.5/10

Almost scored an own goal from a free kick made by Liston. Found some space the the Right wing and made some dribbles, but the Indian Defence stood bold.

LW – Saharihar Emon – 6/10

Played a decent role on the left wing and contributed well by making both aerial and carpet crosses inside the box. Though most of them did not find the target man.

CF – Sheik Morsalin – 6/10

Did not contribute as expected, and the player was visibly frustrated for this reason. Failed to make dribbles and proper shots that could mount pressure on the Indian Defence.

RW -Rakib Hossain – 6.5/10

He was chosen by the coach over the experienced players due to his energy, having goals in the local leagues. Did well on the right wing, making some good dribbles. Tried to outsmart Vishal Kaith multiple times however, missed all of them.

Sub -Mohamed Rahmat Mia – 6/10

Had to come in during the very beginning of the match due to the injury of Topu Berman. He was given the captain’s armband, and he did solid work as the standing captain. Though he fumbled in the starting moments, he slowly and steadily found the pace of the game and adapted well.

Sub – Sohel Rana – 5.5/10

Sub – Mohamed Sohel Rana – 5/10

Sub – Mohammed Fahim – 5/10

Sub – Chandon Roy- 5/10

Coach – Javier Cabrera – 6/10

Properly deadlocked the top seed of the group. Got a one-month-long camp which he used to the best of his potential to bring coordination among his players, which brought a decent result for his team.

Sportsdunia Player of the match is Liston Colaco.

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