Since Bangladesh and India's high-voltage clash in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers third-round fixture ended in a goalless draw on Tuesday, discussions have centred on the chances Bangladesh squandered at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

The outcome could have been different had Bangladesh taken their early opportunities. Within the first 15 minutes of the game, the visitors carved out three golden chances, aided by a fumble from Indian goalkeeper Vishal Kaith. Yet, neither Mojibur Rahman Jonny, Shahriar Emon nor Mohammad Ridoy could get their bearings right, frustrating fans back home.

Jonny and Emon missed before Ridoy had the simplest of chances to put Bangladesh ahead in the 12th minute. Kaith's clearance struck defender Shakil Ahad Tapu, rebounding to an unmarked Ridoy in front of an open goal. However, his feeble strike allowed Subhasish Bose to clear the danger.

"I did not think I would get the ball in this situation. I should have finished it calmly after keeping myself composed. I could not shoot the ball properly, thus missed the chance," Ridoy told The Daily Star yesterday.

"We made a good start by creating chances from the outset. If I could have scored the goal at that time, it could have been better for the team, who might have even come back home with all three points. So, I regret missing that chance," admitted the defensive midfielder, who is not known for his goal-scoring prowess, as evident by his only two goals in 58 domestic matches played over six seasons (according to Transfermarkt).

The 23-year-old Abahani midfielder -- who has been playing under Cabrera for 19 consecutive matches, excluding the second friendly against the Maldives last year -- also recognised the impact on Bangladesh's standing in Group C, which also involves Singapore and Hong Kong.

"If we could have taken all three points, we would have had an edge in the group as the other match also ended in a draw. However, our next target is to secure all three points in the home matches, including the one against India [later this year]."

A bright spot for Bangladesh was English Premier League midfielder Hamza Choudhury, whose leadership lifted the team.

"I think there is nothing to say about the level he [Hamza] belongs to, you know. He always spoke positively inside the ground. He also motivated and encouraged each of our players. A different kind of spirit worked inside the players while a player like Hamza was a teammate," Ridoy informed.

Hamza was constantly seen directing teammates, ensuring they stayed composed. Ridoy shared his advice:

"He always asked everyone to stay calm rather than rush, to not blame anyone for any mistake… 'Just follow the team rules and progress slowly.' He also asked everyone to talk to each other; then the game would be easy for us."

Determined to learn from their missed opportunities, Ridoy and teammates are eager to make amends and keep their Asian Cup qualification hopes alive by aiming to top their group, knowing that every game -- until March 31 next year -- is crucial in their pursuit of a place in the main event in Saudi Arabia.