India's search for a first win under head coach Manolo Marquez and in 2024 continues, as they came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Malaysia in an international friendly at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday. (Match Highlights | Football News)
India started the game well, dominating possession early on, and then lost it when goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu messed up for the umpteenth time in the 19th minute. Paulo Josue took advantage of the mistake to cut the ball into the void.
The stadium fell silent when Josue took his chance. Sandhu miscalculated a bouncing ball from a clearance, and it cruelly sailed over his head. In his desperation to recover, Josue calmly tucked it into the empty net with the Indian crowd in shock and disbelief.
But Rahul Bheke levelled for India from Brandon Fernandes' corner in the 39th minute after the latter won it with a long ball from Anwar Ali on the right flank.
The draw has all but secured India's spot in Pot 1 for the third round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, with the updated rankings set to be released in 10 days.
Debutant Irfan Yadwad linked up well with his club teammate Farukh Choudhary, but neither could convert a clear chance, with Choudhary notably missing an opportunity to score with a scissor kick. Brandon Fernandes was awarded the Player of the Match.
This draw will see an increase in pressure on Sandhu as his long service with the Indian goalkeeper's position now focuses on him.
In the last game against Vietnam, his own goal put the game to 1-1. As mistakes pile up, he will need a good comeback to save his position as the long-serving goalkeeper of the team. With this, India ends their 2024 season winless.
