India coach Stimac congratulates Bangladesh for fighting back

Bangladesh earned an inspiring 1-1 draw against pre-tournament favorites India in their Saff Championship group stage match, despite playing with 10 men for the last 33 minutes at Male National Stadium, Maldives Monday.

India head coach Igor Stimac was understandably disappointed with the result as he stated that India could not capitalise on their experience and finish off the game despite being the better side for the majority of the match, reports Goal.com.

ALSO READ I  Bangladesh saved by ’16-million taka’ teenager

The 18-year-old full-back Yasin Arafat equalized with his first international goal in the 74th minute after Indian talisman Sunil Chhetri gave his side the lead following a defensive blunder in the 26th minute. 

“I would like to congratulate both teams. I think, till now, this was the best game of football out of the three matches that have been played (in SAFF Championship 2021). We are the guilty party for not winning this one. We had everything in control, we dominated the game, we had the lead and we had one extra player on the pitch and then for some unknown reasons, we started giving away simple passes, making unnecessary mistakes,” said Stimac.

Bangladesh’s defender Bishwanath Ghosh received his marching orders in the 57th minute, but Oscar Bruzon’s men kept their determination and returned strongly in the game despite numerical disadvantage, and continued the unbeaten run in the tournament.

"When you boost the confidence of the opponents and you give them the chance, they will take it. So we were punished today for not being reasonable in certain situations. We did not use our experience, because this was an experienced Indian side. I expected much more in that sense,” he added.

"Nonetheless, it was a good game of football. Congratulations to Bangladesh, they came back and scored. We have to look forward now. We don't have much time," stated the Croatian coach.

The 189th ranked side in the Fifa ranking, Bangladesh, who won their first match against Sri Lanka, might have even won the match against the 107th ranked India had they not missed a couple of easy chances.