India played a 1-1 draw against NorthEast United FC at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on October 9.
Team India is participating in a pre-camp in Guwahati, preparing for their FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier against Bangladesh which is scheduled to be played in Kolkata on October 15.
In the open-door friendly on October 9, both the teams started in an aggressive note as Ghanaian recruit Asamoah Gyan almost gave NorthEast United FC a dream start by netting the ball within the first minute. However, the referee signalled offside.
Then, as always it was Blue Tigers’ captain Sunil Chhetri who drew the first blood in the 34th minute. Even as drizzle started over the stadium, Gyan found the equaliser for the NEUFC in the 45th minute.
The drizzle continued as the second half of the match started. Team India coach Igor Stimac changed all the playing 11 in a bid to provide much needed match practice ahead of their crucial game against Bangladesh.
The second half ended as goalless. With ground becoming slippery, players also tried to play safe. Though both the teams had their opportunities, they failed to convert those half chances into goals.
India last played against Oman in Guwahati on September 5 during their first FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifier.
NEUFC will play their first match of the ISL on October 21 against Bengaluru FC. The match was attended by more than 3000 crowd.
