India vs Vietnam football friendly: Farukh Choudhary, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu secure draw for Blue Tigers

The Indian men’s football team secured a 1-1 draw against hosts Vietnam in the one-off football friendly played at the Thien Truong Stadium in Nam Dịnh on Saturday.

Captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu saved a penalty in the 11th minute before Bui Vi Hao (38’) eventually put the hosts in front. Farukh Choudhary (58’) equalised for the Blue Tigers on his first international start in three years. The last time Choudhary played for India was in October 2021.

The Vietnamese football team, 10 places above India in the football rankings at 116th, made a strong start and earned a penalty in the 11th minute after Rahul Bheke brought down Bui Vi Hao inside the box. However, Que Ngoc Hai, the captain of the home side, saw his shot blocked after his opposite number made a timely dive on his left.

India settled into the match as the first half progressed and used the flanks to put pressure on the Vietnamese defence.

However, the home team took the lead through Bui Vi Hao in the 38th minute when he capitalised on a loose ball to beat the Indian captain.

Vietnam were quicker on the flanks and looked likely to double their lead in the remainder of the first half but India managed to keep the scores at 1-0.

India began the second half with a renewed intent and made frequent penetrations into the Vietnamese third.

India’s persistence paid off when Farukh Choudhary’s perfect lob over the Vietnamese goalkeeper restored the parity in the 58th minute.

Both sides looked for the winner for the rest of the game but neither could get on the scoresheet.

Vietnam enjoyed a good phase in the final 15 minutes of the play but a couple of reflex saves from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and a goal-line clearance from Anwar Ali helped India salvage a draw from the contest.

India are yet to win a game in 2024. They have played 10 games so far, four have been draws while six games have ended in losses.