Manolo Marquez’s Debut as India Coach Ends in Frustration; Bangladesh Celebrate Hard-Fought Point
In a disappointing start to their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign, India were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by lower-ranked Bangladesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday. The result marked an underwhelming debut for new head coach Manolo Marquez in competitive international football, as the Blue Tigers failed to break down a resilient Bangladeshi side ranked 59 places below them (India at 121, Bangladesh at 180 in FIFA rankings).
Frustration for India, Jubilation for Bangladesh
Despite dominating possession and creating a few half-chances, India lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Skipper Sunil Chhetri, India’s all-time leading scorer, was kept quiet by a disciplined Bangladeshi defense. The visitors, the lowest-ranked team in Group 1 of the qualifiers, defended resolutely and even threatened on the counter, leaving the home fans stunned.
At the final whistle, the Bangladeshi players erupted in celebration, treating the draw as a victory. Their goalkeeper and backline stood firm against India’s attacks, earning a crucial away point in their quest to qualify for the Asian Cup for only the second time in their history.
Marquez’s Tactical Conundrum
Manolo Marquez, who took charge of India last month, had emphasized an attacking brand of football. However, his team struggled to translate possession into clear opportunities. The lack of creativity in midfield and poor decision-making in the final third were glaring issues.
“We had control of the game, but we couldn’t find the breakthrough,” Marquez admitted in the post-match press conference. “Credit to Bangladesh—they defended well. We need to be more clinical in front of goal.”
What’s Next for India?
India’s next qualifier is against higher-ranked opponents, and Marquez will need to address the team’s attacking woes quickly. With only the top two teams from the group advancing to the 2027 Asian Cup, dropping points at home against the weakest side in the group could prove costly.
For Bangladesh, the result is a massive morale booster. Coach Javier Cabrera praised his team’s fighting spirit, saying, “This is a huge step for us. The players showed heart, and we can build on this.”
Fan Reactions
Indian supporters expressed frustration on social media, with many questioning the team’s inability to break down defensive sides. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi fans celebrated the result as a historic achievement.
