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India Lose to Bahrain, Crash Out of AFC Asian Cup; Constantine Resigns - Highlights

Coach Stephen Constantine resigned after Indian football team lost 0-1 to Bahrain to crash out of the AFC Asian Cup in Sharjah on January 14. Get highlights and analysis of the India vs Bahrain match
Sandesh Jhingan of Indian football team at AFC Asian Cup match vs Bahrain

Sandesh Jhingan of Indian football team blocks a Bahrain striker during their AFC Asian Cup match in Sharjah. Get highlights and analysis of the India vs Bahrain match below (Pic: Twitter, AFC).

The dream went crashing down at stoppage time the Indian football team. In the 91st minute of play, India conceded a penalty which was converted by Bahrain's Jamal Rashid to seal the match 1-0 in Sharjah on January 14. The result saw India crash out of the tournament with UAE, Thailand and Bahrain going through into the knockouts from Group A. (Get highlights and analysis of the India vs Bahrain AFC Asian Cup match below) || Full time analysis video by Ishfaq Ahmed

Meanwhile Stephen Constantine resigned as coach of the national team soon after the match.

“I have been here for four years," he said. "My objective from day one was to qualify for the Asian Cup and we have done that.

Also Read | Stephen Constantine’s Exit Can Be a Blessing for India’s Footballing Future

"I am exceptionally proud of the players for everything that they have given," he added. "I thank the All India Football Federation (AIFF), Kushal Das, Praful Patel and Abhishek Yadav for the support that they have given me. I think my cycle is finished. I did what I was asked. It is time for me to move on.”

The Indians started off with a setback, losing Anas Edathodika to a hamstring injury in the second minute of the match. But they settled down soon enough and managed to thwart off Bahrain's forays. They went into the break with the scores tied 0-0. | Half time analysis video by Ishfaq Ahmed

Video | India vs Bahrain preview with Gurpreet and Jhingan

In the other Group A match Thailand held UAE to a 1-1 draw to seal their progress in the tournament.

(Besides the usual crew, we also had ex-international and coach Ishfaq Ahmed adding his expertise to our feed below.)

Live blog

Meanwhile, UAE score

8’ The UAE have scored. So that’s something going for India. A UAE win puts India in a really brilliant place to qualify.

India's rare foray

9’ A rare Indian foray upfront. But Bahrain win the ball back. There is a bit of a tussle in midfield today, but Rowllin who has started today instead of Thapa hasn’t settled in yet.

'India should clear the lines faster'

10’ Ishfaq: If India intend on playing defensively and sitting so deep, they have to clear their lines quicker and more effectively.

Kotal cross

13’ Great cross by Pritam Kotal, for Ashique, but the youngster can’t get his head to it. That was brilliantly floated in.

Sleepy Indian midfield

14’ The Indian midfield has taken a bit of a nap. Bahrain breeze through, drift out to the left inside the box. The cut back is cut out by Jhingan.

Dhiya goes wide

15’ Dhiya sneaks past Salam Ranjan at the back post from a smart one floated in. He can’t control his header though and it goes wide.

Nazary limps

16’ Now Narzary is limping. What is going on?!!!

Jhingan knocked down

17’ Now Jhingan has taken a knock to his head. He slides in with a brilliantly timed tackle. But a Bahrain boot catches him. He is fine. Breathe.

A long assist

20’ Gurpreet launches one of his long range missiles, Ashique takes the touch on, but it’s a step ahead of Chhetri, who had snuck into the box and into a shooting position.

Udanta tad off

21’ Another turnover, a results of the high press, but Udanta’s final ball is lacking.

Narzary ruffles net

22’ Narzary catches the side net. The ball came to him on the left of the box, and he had a step to shoot. The ball caught a Bahraini boot so its a corner. Borges to take it. It’s brilliantly floated in….

Corner wasted

23’ But, nothing comes off it.

Move made in Bengaluru

24’ Clever switch of play by Udanta and Chhetri, from a Gurpreet launcher. Made in Bengaluru that. Subhashish is fouled on the left. Freekick in a promising position.

Alawi grabs

25’ It's too long. Straight in the hands of Alawi. That is a waste.

Jersey goodwill

26’ A close up shot of Gurpreet has brought about the debate about India’s kit in the live blog box. Is it dry fit? Is it old school? How good is it? Only the guys on the pitch know.

Chhetri touches too much

28’ Narzary is played in on the left of the box by Halder. He cuts it back to Chhetri, who takes a touch too many. He had a yard and was in front of goal.

Sharjah backs India

29’ The Sharjah crowd is brilliant. The stadium sounds loud. And mostly when India have the ball. Evidently it’s not only for cricket.

Bahrain waste corner

31’ Bahrain have smartly won themselves a corner, Rashed putting the ball against Udanta’s foot. But they play it short. And waste it.

Trigger happy Abdulrahman

32’ Abdulrahman gets the ball about 30 yards from goal. He is being closed down by Salam ranjan, regardless he takes a shot which is falling as we type this.

Desperate shooting!

33’ That kind of desperate shooting is a result of India frustrating Bahrain’s attacking verve from the centre of the pitch. Having said that though, they go down the wing successfully and Jhingan is again forced to clear.

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