Netizens blast India after goalless draw against Bangladesh in crucial AFC Asian Cup game: 'Embarrassing performance'

India’s national football team came under heavy criticism from fans after a disappointing goalless draw against Bangladesh in their crucial 2027 AFC Asian Cup third-round qualifying match in Shillong on Tuesday. Despite dominating possession in the second half, India failed to capitalise on their chances, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

Fans say, ’not good enough’

Following the match, social media erupted with harsh criticism aimed at the team’s lackluster performance. Many fans expressed frustration over India’s inability to break down a Bangladesh side that had their own share of attacking moments.

For all the problems that a federation in disarray and a league in delusion have caused Indian football, the players who took the pitch wearing India's blue should be the first to be held accountable for such a pathetic display against Bangladesh.#INDBAN #ACQ2027

— Naveen Peter (@peterspeaking) March 25, 2025

Embarrassing performance by #IndianFootball national team in #Shillong against #Bangladesh tonight.

It just wasn’t good enough and tons of players, who don’t deserve to wear an #India shirt.

— Arunava Chaudhuri | arunfoot (@Arunfoot) March 25, 2025

Team India needs to regroup, make tactical adjustments, and focus on putting in a higher work rate. Bringing OCI players is not a solution, but rather working on team's overall effort and commitment.#TeamIndia #IndianFootball #sunilchhetri #Bluetigers #INDvBAN #Bangladesh

— Neelajit Sarkar (@SarkarNeelajit) March 25, 2025

Disappointing from the Indian team. Not terrible but just not good enough. Bangladesh could have won this if they had a good striker. India had some good chances but overall disappointed. There can be no excuse for this really. Clearly we lack even a Brandon/Sahal type player.

— Maurya Mondal (@mauryamondal) March 25, 2025

This guy been hiding behind a golden defence at MB? pic.twitter.com/taSlTQBBIE

— VISDA (@VISDAHFC) March 25, 2025

India fail to win despite several chances

India’s best chance of the first half came in the 31st minute when Udanta Singh’s header from a Liston Colaco cross was saved by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma. The second half saw India push forward with more intensity. Subhasish Bose came close in the 68th minute with a long-range shot that narrowly missed the left corner of the net. Farukh Choudhary’s deflected effort five minutes later also went just wide.

Even veteran striker Sunil Chhetri, who returned to national duty recently after taking back his retirement, could not find the net. He had a golden opportunity in the 84th minute but failed to generate enough power and direction on his header inside the box. Meanwhile, Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who plays for Sheffield United on loan from Leicester City, had a quiet game, unable to influence the proceedings significantly.

What’s next for India?

The result leaves India in a tricky position in Group C of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifier, which also features Hong Kong and Singapore. India’s next challenge will be an away fixture against Hong Kong on 10 June, while they will face Bangladesh again on 18 November in an attempt to redeem themselves.