India's Fruitless 2024 Amidst Continuous Search for Victory

The year 2024 ended for India yet without a win, after a match with Malaysia resulted in a 1-1 draw at the Gachibowli stadium in Hyderabad, leaving Manolo Marquez in his never-ending search for a victory with the national team. Paulo Josue made the first goal, capitalising on an error by Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, followed by Rahul Bheke who equalised for India in the first half. 

Despite Malaysia's early edge at the beginning of the game, India had better control over the ball. Coach Marquez had expected the 'Barcelona way' as Pau Marti's play style, however, the attempts of the guests to build from the back were effectively countered by India's energetic forwards, Farukh Chaudhary and Irfan Yadwad.

India's splendid defensive efforts were undone by a simple long-ball by Azam Azmi Murad, causing Gurpreet Singh Sandhu's miscalculation, allowing Paulo Josue to run past Sandhu and Jhingan to score a goal for Malaysia in the 19th minute. India responded by exploiting the right wing, earning plenty of corners which led to a joyous equalising moment for the host team.

In the 39th minute, Brandon Fernandes took a corner from the right, allowing Rahul Bheke to divert the game in India's favour. The Indian team amped up the pace just before halftime, but Malaysia managed to maintain the draw.

The second half witnessed many attempts from India, notably the efforts of Irfan Yadwad. Malaysia's Safawi Rasid also came close with an acrobatic overhead kick, but India's goalkeeper, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, managed to save the goal in the injury time, leaving the score at a draw.

India will next participate in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers set to commence in March 2025, for which the draw is scheduled for December 9th in this year itself.