Rahbar hails 'good start' as Bangladesh open with a draw against India

Bangladesh began their campaign in the inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship with a dramatic 4-4 draw against India in Bangkok today, with captain Rahbar Wahed Khan expressing satisfaction over his side’s performance.

Bangladesh twice surrendered the lead in a pulsating contest, with Rahbar and Monir Khan netting a brace each.

“We took the lead a few times and tried to keep it. But I am very happy with the boys, as we put in a very good performance. It is a good start to the tournament,” Rahbar said after the match.

Under the guidance of Iranian coach Saeid Khodarahmi, Bangladesh repeatedly asked questions of a strong Indian side and looked the better team for long spells in the first half, which ended 2-2.

Moin opened the scoring for Bangladesh before Anmol Adhikari equalised for India. Rahbar then restored Bangladesh’s lead, but Lasawmpuia brought India back on level terms before the break.

After resumption, Roluahpuia put India ahead, only for Moin to equalise once again. India reclaimed the lead through Roluahpuia’s second of the match, before Rahbar struck late to salvage a point for the men in red and green.

The captain had reasons to be pleased as Bangladesh displayed impressive control, endurance, and skill in a new format played on a hard surface with a smaller ball – a demanding test that hinted at a tough regional tournament involving seven nations.

Earlier in the day, the tournament opener at the same venue also ended in a stalemate, with Bhutan and Sri Lanka playing out a 3-3 draw, setting the tone for a tightly contested inaugural edition.