Shillong, March 25 -- India's campaign in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Final Round didn't have the best start as they were held goalless by Bangladesh in the opening Group A match at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday.

After an unsure first half when the Bangladesh attackers exploited gaps in the Indian defence to launch a few raids, the Blue Tigers turned around in the next 45 minutes to keep the rival defenders fairly busy, much to the delight of the 15,000-strong crowd. But a goal remained elusive, thus leaving India to gear up for tougher battles ahead against Singapore and Hong Kong in the four-team group. Singapore and Hong Kong also drew 0-0 earlier on Tuesday.

India head coach Manolo Marquez made five chang...