Blue Tigers thank their fans after 1-1 draw against Bangladesh

The Indian football team, recently, thanked their fans for coming out to support them in a FIFA World Cup qualifier match against Bangladesh in which the Blue Tigers scraped through with a 1-1 draw. The Blue Tigers, who recently became the only Asian team to not concede a goal in a draw against Qatar in a Group E World cup qualifier match on September 10, yet again split points with Bangladesh.

'Thankful to the fans'

Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri said that his team was not up to the mark and that is why they failed to win against their opponents at the Salt Lake stadium in Kolkata. He also added that all the players were very disappointed with the result but were now more determined to win their next match against Afghanistan to try and qualify for the main draw in the 2020 World Cup.

Read: India Football Coach Igor Stimac Urges Spectators To Throng Stadium

It was a defensive midfielder, Adil Khan, who stepped up to rescue India from an embarrassing loss by scoring a goal with a header, 2 minutes from time. Adil added that he was at loss for words and emotions when he headed in his first international goal. He also added that it was a very special moment for him and he wanted to dedicate his goal to his family and fans who have always been there for him.

Read: FIFA, IND Vs BAN: India Take On Bangladesh In World Cup Qualifier

Stronger than the setback

Although Indian coach, Igor Stimac, fielded a 4-1-3-2 formation, India failed to capitalise on their home ground in a sluggish performance. The Indian team struggled against Bangladesh's constant counter-attacks as a right-back, struggled to keep up with Bangladeshi winger, Mohammed Ibrahim. 

Khan added that his team aimed to grab all the three points an since they had failed to capitalise on that, everyone is going to figure out the areas they need to work upon in order to perform better in every match they play.

India is at the fourth position in Group E and have drawn 2 matches and lost 1 match in a total of 3 matches they have played till now, making it difficult for them to qualify for the main draw.

Read: Bhaichung Bhutia Terms India's Draw Against Bangladesh 'unfortunate'

Read: Bhaichung Bhutia: 'Indian Football Team Heavily Dependent On Chhetri'

(With inputs from agencies)