Adil Khan’s late equaliser helped India avoid a shock defeat against lower-ranked Bangladesh in their third group game of the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup qualifiers at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday. Despite an improved second-half performance, the hosts will rue their poor start, and particularly some sloppy defending that cost them two points in a game they were favourites to win.
Report: Adil saves India’s blushes against Bangladesh
Positives
After a disappointing first…
An inspired display from goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu helped India earn a famous draw against reigning Asian Cup champions Qatar in their second group game of the World Cup qualifiers in Doha on Tuesday. India, who were without the injured Sunil Chhetri, went in as massive underdogs against the hosts. While Qatar’s profligacy in front of goal was a big factor, India’s grit and teamwork while defending was just as impressive. After a disappointing loss against Oman in the opening game, the draw…
“Tough game. They are a very good side. They made it really difficult for us in both games that we faced them. Tonight won’t be any different, but we have to make sure we are smarter and take something from it.”
NorthEast United will take a 2-1 lead into the second leg of their semifinal with Bengaluru FC, thanks to Juan Mascia’s injury-time penalty and a stunning opener from Redeem Tlang in the first half. NorthEast put in a stellar performance for the majority of the game, but will rue the away goal they conceded to a moment of brilliance from Sunil Chhetri, who set up Xisco Hernandez with a wonderful assist. Here are the player ratings for each team. 
If you had a magic lamp, and you could pick any coach in the world to be India’s next, who would it be and why? Here are five potential candidates who could replace Stephen Constantine, with the possible pros and cons.
India fell into the trap of playing for the draw that would have taken them through to the knockout stages, and in the end it cost them as captain on the night Pronay Halder gave away a penalty in the first minute of stoppage time. Jamal Rashed hammered it home to take Bahrain through.
The form of Sunil Chhetri (centre) will again be key to India’s chances.
The Indian football team at the launch of their new kit ahead of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.