The high-intensity clash between Bangladesh and India in the SAFF Under-20 Championship in Malé lived up to expectations, with both sides sharing a 1–1 draw in a match marked by tension, controversy and two red cards for coaching staff.
Bangladesh head coach Mark Cox was unable to attend the post-match press conference after being sent off during the game. Assistant coach Atiqur Rahman Mishu addressed the media instead and raised concerns over officiating.
“The refereeing should be reviewed by SAFF. Many people feel that in Bangladesh–India matches, decisions often go in India’s favour. I don’t want to say more on this,” Mishu said.
Ronan Sullivan, who scored twice against Pakistan in the previous match, once again made his mark by providing the assist from a corner for Bangladesh’s equaliser.
Mishu praised his contribution, saying, “Football is a team game, but his addition has been very important for us. He scored two goals in the last match and today he provided an assist — that has been very effective.”
India took the lead in the first half, with Bangladesh struggling to settle early on.
“There is always extra emotion in Bangladesh–India matches. For the first 20 to 25 minutes, the players were too excited. In the second half, we improved and controlled the game,” Mishu explained.
With both teams having already secured qualification before the match, Bangladesh progress as group runners-up and will now face Nepal in the semi-finals.
“We want to move step by step. Nepal have played three matches, so we will analyse them and also review our own performance,” Mishu added.
Despite his official role as assistant coach, Mishu was seen directing play and making key tactical calls from the touchline. Meanwhile, the continued absence of Ronan Sullivan’s brother, Declan Sullivan, from the squad remains unexplained, raising further questions over team selection decisions and the overall coaching structure.
