Mon Nov 18 18:54:10 UTC 2024: ## India’s Winless Streak Continues After 1-1 Draw with Malaysia
**Hyderabad, India** – India’s national football team extended its winless streak into 2025 after a 1-1 draw against Malaysia at the Gachibowli stadium in Hyderabad. Despite dominating possession for periods of the match, India failed to secure a victory under coach Manolo Marquez, who is still searching for his first win in charge.
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 score.
India fought back, however, equalizing in the 39th minute through Rahul Bheke. A corner from Brandon Fernandes found Bheke unmarked at the near post, who headed home to level the score.
Despite creating further chances in the second half, including a long-range effort from Irfan Yadwad, India were unable to find a winner. Malaysia also threatened late in the game, with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu making a crucial save in injury time to deny Safawi Rasid.
While India’s coach Manolo Marquez expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting their dominance in possession and chances created, the result leaves them still searching for a win. Malaysian coach Pau Marti acknowledged India’s strong defensive display and considered the 1-1 draw a fair result.
India’s next international fixture will be in March 2025, as the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers begin. They have been drawn in Pot 1 for the qualifier draw on December 9th, 2024.
First Piper 