India are back to winning ways after the heavy loss against China as they defeated Bangladesh 1-0 in their second group A match of the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Sunil Chhetri was the difference-maker as he converted a penalty in the 85th minute to give India all three points. The win helps India to keep their knockout qualification hopes alive after a terrible 1-5 defeat against China in their opening fixture.
India head coach Igor Stimac made three changes to the team that started against China. Dheeraj Moirangthem came in for goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, Sumit Rathi went out for Chinglansana Singh and Rohit Danu came in for Rahim Ali.
The first half was a drab affair with both teams struggling to create. Bangladesh stopped India from playing their game and made captain Chhetri and coach Stimac unhappy. In the final minutes of the half, India had three close chances via Chhetri, Lanchungnunga and Rahul KP but Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma came up with back-to-back saves to deny India.
In the second half, India started brightly, showing more energy on the pitch but they were unable to break the deadlock. Stimac made changes bringing in Gurkirat Singh and Samul Kynshi and the latter went close with his freekick with the ball hitting the post.
The game-changer came late into the game when Bryce Miranda was fouled inside the box by Bangladesh captain Rahmat Mia. Miranda tried to flick the ball over the defender and was brought down after Rahmat completely missed his kick. Chhetri made no mistake from the spot, going to his right and eventually securing the win.
After the win, Chhetri said. “It was frustrating. I think a lot of things we could’ve done well. At the end of the day getting all three points is essential.”
On preparations for the game, he said, “Let’s not talk about preparation, man. After a game like this, you don’t want me in trouble. Prep or no prep, boys here or not here, 17 players or 30, all that is behind us. We will give all that we have [in the next game]. Whatever we talk about will not affect us in the next game, so chuck it.”
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