India lose their friendly match against Bahrain

India lost to Bahrain on Wednesday, 23rd March.

India put in a strong performance, but ended up on the wrong side of the result as they lost to an 88th minute goal from Mahdi Al-Humaidan.

Also read: https://www.sportstrumpet.com/india-announces-its-25-member-squad-for-the-upcoming-matches/

Bahrain started of on the front foot as they threatened India’s goal everytime they attacked.

They even got a penalty in the early stages of the game, but were unable to convert. India’s skipper Gurpreet Sandhu acrobatically saved the penalty and denied Bahrain the lead. Finally in the 37th minute, Bahrain managed to go in front with a Mohammed Al-Hardan goal.

Bahrain tried to put the game to bed, trying to score a second.

India started off well in the second half. In the 47th minute, ISL 2021 “emerging player of the season” Naorem Roshan Singh was through on goal but, failed to keep his strike at goal as the chance went begging.

Just before the hour mark, Rahul Bheke struck back for the Blue Tigers. He headed in from Roshans dangerous corner to bring India back level.
In the 65th minute, Bahrain could’ve retaken the lead following a quick counter but, the eventual match winner Humaidan’s strike could not trouble Gurpreet Sandhu’s goal.

The home team struck with only 2 mins of normal time remaining to help them extend their unbeaten run.

As for India, they were missing star players but, put in a good performance against an in form Bahrain.

Bahrain beat India’s Asian Cup group teams Hong Kong and Cambodia 4-0 and 8-0 respectively.

This performance against Bahrain would definitely boost India’s confidence, despite the loss.

India now take on Belarus in their 2nd friendly of the International break on 26th March.