India show promise but settle for draw against Malaysia

Rahul Bheke's goal helps India secure a 1-1 draw in the FIFA International Friendly in Hyderabad on Monday, as the Blue Tigers end 2024 without a win.

Hyderabad: India and Malaysia played out a 1-1 draw in a FIFA International Friendly at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium, Hyderabad, on Monday. Despite a valiant performance, head coach Manolo Marquez’s search for his first win with the national team remains elusive.

Malaysia struck first in the 19th minute when Paulo Josue capitalised on a defensive error, while India equalised through defender Rahul Bheke’s header in the 39th minute. The match saw over 15,000 spectators witness moments of brilliance, resilience, and a few nervy errors.

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India started brightly, asserting their intentions within six minutes. Midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte’s powerful effort from outside the box missed the target. Forward Irfan Yadwad, making his senior national debut after a stellar stint with Chennaiyin FC, spearheaded the attack. His pressing unsettled the Malaysian defence early on, and long balls aimed at him caused frequent problems.

In the 15th minute, left-back Naorem Roshan Singh delivered a teasing cross into the six-yard box, but Irfan narrowly missed connecting. At the other end, centre-back Anwar Ali’s crucial block in the 17th minute denied Sergio Aguero (not to be confused with the Manchester City legend) a golden chance.

The breakthrough came in the 19th minute, silencing the home crowd. A Malaysian clearance caught the Indian defence off-guard, with Gurpreet Singh Sandhu rushing off his line but misjudging his jump. Josue calmly collected the loose ball and slotted into an empty net. Manolo looked visibly frustrated as India, despite their dominance, conceded a cheap goal.

India continued to look threatening on set pieces but struggled to find the finishing touch. Malaysia’s captain Dion Cools held firm, keeping Indian forwards Farukh Choudhary and Irfan under control. However, the equaliser came in the 39th minute. Brandon Fernandes delivered a perfectly measured corner, and Rahul Bheke’s towering header ignited celebrations in the stands. India kept up the pressure with a flurry of set pieces but couldn’t add to their tally before halftime, leaving the score 1-1.

The second half began with India continuing to dominate possession. Irfan, growing in confidence, unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box in the 53rd minute, narrowly missing the target. His tireless work rate and athleticism were praise worthy. Farukh and Lallianzuala Chhangte added dynamism with their sharp movements, creating chances inside the Malaysian penalty area.

Malaysia, however, came alive in the 69th minute. Substitute Muhammad Safawi Bin Rasid attempted an audacious bicycle kick from a set-piece, missing the target but earning admiration for his creativity. The introduction of forward Fergus Tierney added more bite to Malaysia’s attack, and India’s defence faced a few nervy moments.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, whose earlier misjudgment had led to Malaysia’s goal, caused further anxiety with uncertain decision-making. However, he redeemed himself with a crucial fingertip save in stoppage time. Tierney’s fierce strike rattled the post, and Rasid’s rebound effort was palmed away by Gurpreet to preserve the draw.

Encouragingly, Manolo handed senior debuts to four players: Irfan, Jithin MS, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, and Vibin Mohanan. India displayed creativity, and determination but ended the year winless, leaving much work ahead for the Blue Tigers. While the search for a victory continues, the draw provided plenty of positives to build on for Manolo and his team.