Bangladesh played out to an inspiring 1-1 goal draw with tournament favourites India in their second match of SAFF Championship held at National Football Stadium in Male on Monday.
Left-back Yeasin Arafat’s 73rd-minute equaliser helped a 10-man Bangladesh bounce back from a goal down to earn a draw and continue the unbeaten run in the tourney.
Read more: Bangladesh start SAFF mission with victory
Earlier, in the first half, Bangladesh conceded a goal with a defensive error in the 26th minute through their skipper Sunil Chhetri. Still the men in red and green played with great intensity and gave tough fight to the Indians.
Second half started with the same enthusiasm for Jamal Bhuiyan and Co. However, things got worse for Bangladesh as defender Bishanath Halder received a red card for a tackle on India forward Liston Colaco in the 53rd minute. Oscar Bruzon’s men still showed great spirit and attitude to get back into the game despite being in numerical disadvantage.
In the 73rd minute of the match, Bangladesh skipper Jamal Bhuiyan lofted in a corner from the left side. Arafat was unmarked, he found acres of space and slotted in a diving header after Rakib Hossain nudged the ball with the top of his head.
Bangladesh created countless opportunities throughout the game but failed to convert them due to bad finishing but still it was a commendable performance from the men in red and green. It will boost their confidence further to achieve something memorable in the SAFF Championships.