Bangladesh and India played out a breathless 4–4 draw on Wednesday in their opening match of the SAFF Futsal Championship, held at the Nonthaburi Hall in Bangkok, Thailand, as neither side could find a winning goal after a full-blooded contest.
Played in a round-robin league format, the match set the tone for the tournament with end-to-end futsal, momentum swings and late drama. Both teams went into the break level at 2–2, reflecting an evenly matched first half that only came alive in its closing moments.
Bangladesh showed early intent against India. Towards the end of the first half, Moin Ahmed broke the deadlock, cutting in from the right and finishing at an angle after being picked out by Rahbar Khan. India responded quickly, with Anmol Adhikari restoring parity soon after.
The flurry continued just before the interval. This time Rahbar was the scorer, converting from a pass by Moin to put Bangladesh back in front. However, India struck again moments later when Lalsawmpuiya’s shot deflected off Bangladesh player Tuhin’s foot, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the net.
The second half maintained the same tempo. India edged ahead when Rolwapuiya redirected Lalrinzuala’s shot into the goal with his chest. Bangladesh once again found a response, Moin finishing from a tight angle to bring the scores level.
India regained the lead when Bangladesh’s goalkeeper came off his line, allowing Rolwapuiya to tap into an unguarded net from a teammate’s pass. With the match seemingly slipping away, Bangladesh produced one final twist.
India’s Anmol lost possession under pressure, allowing captain Rahbar to pounce. Showing sharp control and composure, he unleashed a precise finish to make it 4–4 and secure a deserved point for his side.
Bangladesh will face Maldives in their second match of the competition on Friday, while both teams will take encouragement from a thrilling opening that underlined the competitive edge of the tournament.
