Bangladesh held to goalless draw against India in Hamza Choudhury’s debut match

Bangladesh were left ruing a series of missed opportunities as they played out a goalless draw against India in their AFC Asian Cup qualifier opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday.

Despite a dominant first-half display and several clear-cut chances, Javier Cabrera's side failed to find the breakthrough, settling for a point against a higher-ranked Indian team.

All eyes were on Leicester City's Hamza Choudhury, who made his much-anticipated debut for Bangladesh. The midfielder impressed with his composure and work rate, controlling proceedings in midfield and playing a key role in the team's positive start. However, Bangladesh's profligacy in front of goal proved costly as India held firm to deny them a famous victory.

Bangladesh made a bright start, carving out their first opportunity within the opening minute. Choudhury's incisive pass set up Mojibur Rahman Jony, who found himself with an open goal after India's goalkeeper Vishal Kaith misjudged his positioning. However, Jony's effort went agonisingly wide, setting the tone for an evening of missed chances.

The visitors continued to pile on the pressure, with Shahriar Emon failing to convert Rakib Hossain's pinpoint cross in the ninth minute. Moments later, Bangladesh earned a corner, and Choudhury's initial effort forced Kaith into action. The rebound fell kindly to Mohammad Hridoy, but his tame left-footed strike was cleared off the line by an Indian defender.

By the 17th minute, Bangladesh had produced another dangerous attack, with Emon just inches away from connecting with a looping cross from Sheikh Morsalin. Their early dominance was reflected in the stats, with four shots on target inside the first 20 minutes, while India managed just one in the same period.

Bangladesh suffered a setback in the 22nd minute when captain Topu Barman was forced off due to injury, with Rahmat Mia coming on as his replacement. India gradually grew into the contest and had a rare sight at goal in the 28th minute, though their efforts lacked conviction. The best chance for the hosts came in the 30th minute when Udanta Singh's header from the left flank sailed over the bar.

The visitors spurned another golden opportunity in the 41st minute when an attacker found himself one-on-one with the keeper but hesitated, allowing India's defence to recover. Despite dominating large parts of the match, Bangladesh's wastefulness in front of goal meant the sides went into the break level at 0-0.

The second half saw Bangladesh struggle to maintain the same level of attacking intensity. They continued to create half-chances but failed to apply the finishing touch. India, meanwhile, looked more compact defensively and restricted their opponents from finding space in the final third.

While Bangladesh will take heart from their ability to compete against a side ranked 126th in the world—59 places above them—their lack of cutting edge in attack remains a concern. Choudhury's debut offered plenty of promise, but without a clinical finisher, Cabrera's side will need to sharpen their efficiency in front of goal if they are to progress in the qualifiers.

A battling performance, but a frustrating night for Bangladesh, who will feel this was an opportunity missed.