India was held to a goalless draw by Bangladesh in its opening match of the SAFF under-18 football championship here on Monday.
India started on an attacking note but an injury to goalkeeper Prabhsukan Singh Gill in the ninth minute forced coach Floyd Pinto to make an early change.
With Bangladesh committing bodies in defence, India found it difficult to get past the opponent’s backline.
Pinto termed the game as a difficult encounter. “Bangladesh defended with 10 men and I have to give credit to the boys for not stopping to put in the effort,” he said.
India will play Sri Lanka in its last group stage match on Wednesday and the top two teams from the group will qualify for the semifinals on September 27.
