The self -confident -free draw against Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup qualifications aroused the indignation among fans, many calling it “embarrassing performance”. Read how social media reacted and what is the next step for Blue Tigers.
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The India national football team was criticized by fans after a disappointing draw against Bangladesh in their crucial AFC Asian Cup qualification match in 2027 in Shillong on Tuesday. Despite the dominant possession in the second period, India failed to capitalize on their chances, leaving their hopes of qualification suspended in the balance.
Fans say: “not good enough”
After the match, social media broke out of severe criticism aimed at the Team’s dull performance. Many fans have expressed their frustration in the face of India’s inability to break one side of Bangladesh which had their own share of attacker moments.
For all the problems that a disarray federation and a delirious league caused Indian football, the players who took the ground with India blue should be the first to be held responsible for such a pathetic display against the Bangladesh.#Indban # ACQ2027
– Naveen Peter (@peterspaking) March 25, 2025
Embarrassing performance by #Indianfootball national team in #Shillong against #Bangladesh This evening.
It was simply not good enough and tons of players, who do not deserve to wear a #India shirt.
– Arunava Chaudhuri | Arunfoot (@arunfoot) March 25, 2025
Team India must come together, make tactical adjustments and focus on setting up a higher work rate. Bringing OIC players is not a solution, but rather working on the team’s effort and overall commitment.#Teamindia #Indianfootball #Sunilchhetri #Bluetigers #Indvban #Bangladesh
– Neelajit Sarkar (@Sarkarneelajit) March 25, 2025
Disappointing of the Indian team. Not terrible but just not good enough. Bangladesh could have won this if they had a good attacker. India has had a good chance but overall disappointed. There can be no excuse for that really. Obviously, we even lack a Brandon / Sahal type player.
– Maurya Mondal (@mauryamondal) March 25, 2025
Has this guy hidden behind a golden defense in MB? pic.twitter.com/tasltqbbie
– Visda (@visdahfc) March 25, 2025
India does not win despite several chances
The best chance in India in the first half came in the 31st minute when the head of Udanta Singh from a Colaco Liston Cross was saved by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma. The second half saw India advance with more intensity. Subhasish Bose got closer to the 68th minute with a long -range shot that has barely missed the left corner of the net. Farukh Choudhary’s deflected effort five minutes later also became wide.
Even the veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, who returned to the national service recently after having resumed his retirement, could not find the net. He had a gold opportunity in the 84th minute but failed to generate enough power and steering on his head inside the box. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who plays for Sheffield United on loan from Leicester City, had a calm game, unable to considerably influence the procedure.
What is the next step for India?
The result leaves India in a delicate position in group C of the qualification of the AFC 2027 Asian Cup, which also includes Hong Kong and Singapore. The next challenge of India will be a distant from Hong Kong on June 10, while they will again face Bangladesh on November 18 to try to redeem itself.
