Asian Games 2023: Sunil Chhetri penalty helps India to win

A couple days after a humiliating defeat of 5-1 against China, the Indian football team bounced back to beat Bangladesh in the 2023 Asian Games men’s football competition. India secured a 1-0 win in their second match in Group A, thanks to skipper Sunil Chhetri, who scored in the 85th-minute penalty at Xiaoshan Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou and revived India’s hopes in the tournament.

India will face Myanmar in the next match and the Indian squad will be in a “do or die” situation and would need to defeat them too to assure themselves of advancing to the next round.

Igor Stimac’s men looked much more organized as compared to the encounter against China in this game, as the team seemed to have had some rest after some rough travel. Despite their challenges, the squad played well for the whole 90 minutes and put up some dangerous assaults but were unable to complete them well.

1️⃣ Calm Penalty ✅
3️⃣ Crucial Points ✅ @chetrisunil11’s goal from the penalty spot was enough to give the #BlueTigers 🐯 their first win in the #19thAsianGames 💙#INDBAN ⚔️ #IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/nuHNhN07b3

— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) September 21, 2023

Mitul, the goalie for Bangladesh, played really well, saving a number of hard strikes to hold the score at 0-0 until the 85th minute of the game.
Bangladesh attempted quick counterattacks, and a few shaky defensive plays allowed them to get the ball in some risky situations, but the defense recovered and was able to effectively block or clear the ball.

Chhetri's goal from the penalty spot gives India their first victory in the 2023 Asian Games! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/irCoSkypE6

— IFTWC – Indian Football (@IFTWC) September 21, 2023

There were many free kicks in the penalty area for India that were taken quite near the goal. Finally, Bryce Miranda was fouled in the box by Bangladesh captain Rahmat Mia as he was receiving a long ball.

Current standings

India moved to third in the points table in Group A at the Asian Games 2023 with three points and will face Myanmar on Sunday, September 24. Bangladesh was defeated 0–1 by Myanmar in their opening match, eliminating them permanently from the qualifying race. India’s chances of placing in the top two of the league would depend on the outcome of Myanmar’s top-of-the-table match against China on September 21.