Kolkata: Probably nobody has expected 187th ranked Bangladesh would hold 104th ranked India to a 1-1 draw at the latter's home soil in the Group E 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 AFC Asian Cup Joint Qualifier on Tuesday.
Admitting that his team conceded a 'silly' goal, coach Igor Stimac said Blue Tigers have to work hard before their away clash against Afghanistan which is scheduled to take place on November 14.
While speaking about the difference between the two teams that set them apart in the match, Stimac said that Bangladesh goalkeeper Ashraful Islam Rana and his players' inability to find back of the net are the main reasons behind dropping two vital points.
A first-half strike from Saad Uddin in the 42nd minute helped Bangladesh take a shock lead against India, who are 83 places above them and drew 0-0 against Asian champions Qatar in their last game. Adil Khan equalised in the 88th minute to save the hosts the blushes.
"Bangladesh were resilient. We did not react well and conceded a silly goal. India is trying to play modern and technical football. There is still much more to do," Stimac told reporters at the post-match press conference.
Backing his young players, the Croatian 1998 World Cup bronze medallist said: "We need to stay optimistic. We have shown we have the confidence to play against anyone."
India goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was to blame for not being able to catch the ball in the 42nd minute when Saad Uddin nodded in from skipper Jamal Bhuyan's free-kick.
Backing his tall custodian who made innumerable saves in Doha last month, Stimac said: "That's the life of a goalkeeper. Sometimes you have a great day and sometimes you make mistakes from judgement. These are my players and I will defend them with all my life."
He said India deserved to win the game although the goal they leaked in unacceptable. "The goal we conceded is not accepted and you don't win like that. But we played good football and we deserve to win the game. We played with courage."