Mon Nov 18 17:57:44 UTC 2024: **India’s Winless Streak Continues in 1-1 Draw Against Malaysia**
HYDERABAD, INDIA – India’s national football team extended its winless streak into 2024, settling for a 1-1 draw against Malaysia in a friendly match at the Gachibowli stadium. The result leaves coach Manolo Marquez still searching for his first victory since taking the helm.
Malaysia took the lead in the 19th minute through Paulo Josue, who capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. Sandhu misjudged a header attempting to clear a long ball, allowing Josue to easily tap the ball into an empty net.
India, however, fought back, equalizing in the 39th minute through Rahul Bheke. A well-placed corner from Brandon Fernandes found Bheke unmarked at the near post, allowing him to head the ball home.
Despite India dominating possession and creating several chances, particularly through the efforts of Irfan Yadwad and Lallianzuala Chhangte, they were unable to find a winner. Malaysia also had opportunities, with substitute Safawi Rasid coming close with an overhead kick, only to be denied by a late save from Sandhu.
Both coaches offered mixed reactions after the match. Marquez expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and their ability to create chances, while Malaysia’s coach noted the difficulty in creating open-play opportunities against India’s strong defense. He also acknowledged that the 1-1 scoreline was a fair reflection of the game.
India’s next international fixture will be in March 2025, as the qualifiers for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup commence. The team is seeded in Pot 1 for the draw on December 9th.
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