In this image released by @IndianFootball via X, Indian players pose for a photograph at the start of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier football match between India and Bangladesh, in Shillong, Meghalaya.
India did not achieve the start they were seeking to their 2027 AFC Asian Cup third-round qualifying campaign as they played out a goal-less draw against familiar rivals Bangladesh in Shillong on Tuesday (March 25). Bangladesh were the better side in the first half, creating a number of chances against a nervy Indian defence. The Blue Tigers bounced back in the second half with an improved display, but it all came to nought at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium as neither side could break the deadlock. The draw meant all four sides in Group C had one point after their respective openers.
In this image released by @IndianFootball via X, Indian players pose for a photograph at the start of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier football match between India and Bangladesh, in Shillong, Meghalaya.
In this image released by @IndianFootball via X, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma with All India Football Federation (AIFF) Secretary General Anilkumar P before the start of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier football match between India and Bangladesh, in Shillong, Meghalaya.
In this image released by @IndianFootball via X, India's Subhasish Bose, left, and Bangladesh's Mojibur Jony during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier football match between India and Bangladesh, in Shillong, Meghalaya.
In this image released by @IndianFootball via X, India's Farukh Choudhary, left, and Bangladesh's Shekh Morsalin vie for the ball during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier football match between India and Bangladesh, in Shillong, Meghalaya.
In this image released by @IndianFootball via X, India's goalkeeper Vishal Kaith during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier football match between India and Bangladesh, in Shillong, Meghalaya.
In this image released by @IndianFootball via X, India's Farukh Choudhary, left, and Bangladesh's Tariq Kazi vie for the ball during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier football match between India and Bangladesh, in Shillong, Meghalaya.
In this image released by @IndianFootball via X, India's Subhasish Bose, centre, during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier football match between India and Bangladesh, in Shillong, Meghalaya.