A late goal by Sunil Chhetri saw Bangladesh Olympic football team concede a narrow 1-0 defeat against neighbors India in their second match of the Asian Games 2023 at Xiaoshan Sports Center Stadium in Hangzhou, China Thursday.
It was an intense encounter from the very beginning right till the end where most of the players of both the sides barely had any chance to rest their legs before the Indian captain Chhetri sealed victory from a penalty five minutes before the end of stipulated time.
India dominated possession in the opening half while Bangladesh had only shot on target two minutes before the hour mark as Foysal Ahmed Fahim’s effort went straight to the goalkeeper.
Bangladesh keeper Mitul Marma produced three outstanding saves within only a minute during the added time of the first half, including one from the Indian skipper.
India had a good opportunity just after the break and hit the woodwork after the hour mark as Bangladesh defence backed by Mitul stood solid to keep the fort secured.
Mojibor Rahman Jony squandered a golden chance to put Bangladesh ahead in the 77th minute but despite dribbling past a defender inside the box he could not beat the Indian netminder on one-on-one.
India were awarded a penalty after captain Rahmat Mia clashed with Miranda inside the danger zone and Chhetri made no mistake from the spot to claim his side’s first win of the competition.
Bangladesh also conceded a narrow 1-0 defeat against Myanmar in their opening fixture while India lost to China 5-2 in the first match.
The men in red and green will face hosts China Sunday to conclude their Asiad campaign.
RESULT
Bangladesh 0 1 India (Chhetri 85-P)