Asiad 2023: India beat Bangladesh, keep alive knockout hopes in football

Sunil Chhetri scored from the penalty spot to keep alive India's hopes of a knockout entry in the Asian Games football competition football

The Indian football team, courtesy of their 1-0 win against Bangladesh in a Pool A game at the Xiaoshan football stadium, kept alive their hopes of reaching the knockouts of the 19th Asian Games men’s football competition. Sunil Chhetri scored in the 85th minute via a penalty earned by Bryce Miranda.

This victory has pushed India to the third position in the points table even though India, Myanmar and China have the same number of points. Now, India must win against Myanmar to directly qualify for the round of 16. If they lose, then they will have to qualify as one of the five third-best teams at the end of the group stage. India play Mynamr on September 24, 2023. 

The 39-year-old veteran scored from the spot in the 85th minute to help his team earn full points after the 1-5 hammering at the hands of hosts China on Tuesday.

The Bangladesh goalkeeper dived the right way but could not do anything against Chhetri's fabulous knock from the spot as the ball went past him.

India were awarded the penalty after a foul Bangladesh captain Rahmat following a long ball to Bryce Miranda at the edge of the box.

Asked about the lack of recovery time, Chhetri said, "The first thing is to go and recuperate, it was not easy. I'm petty sure it was the same thing for the opponents also. playing three games in five days is not easy, a lot of ice bath, eat good food and get ready."

India will next play Myanmar, who beat Bangladesh 1-0 on the opening day.

India had a great chance of scoring from a free kick after Gurkirat Singh was fouled near the Bangladesh box.

Samuel Kynshi took the free-kick after getting some advice from Chhetri, but his shot to the top-left corner was brilliantly saved by the Bangladesh custodian, who dived to palm the ball away.

After a goalless first half, India had another chance to score but Rahul KP could not make use of the cross inside the box as he headed it the other way.

There were three changes for India as Gurmeet Singh, who received a yellow card in last game, was replaced by Dheeraj Singh. The two other changes were Rohit Danu for Rahim Ali and Chingelsena Singh for Sumit Rathi.