With Malaysia draw, India end year without win

The 1-1 draw against Malaysia, Rahul Bheke cancelling Paulo Josue's strike, meant India would end 2024 without a win from 11 matches, a first since 2014.

- Dhiman Sarkar

A year where a third round in the World Cup qualifiers looked possible has ended with four draws and a loss against teams ranked lower.

For goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, the year that began with flapping at a corner-kick leading to an Australia goal ended with one that flew over his head. He had a good game against Vietnam but brain fades have happened with increasing frequency this year.

The penalty against Afghanistan, the inability to sort out his feet against FC Goa leading to Brison Fernandes lobbing him which was also what NEUFC's Alaeddine Ajaraie did when Bengaluru FC played next could make this Sandhu's worst year already.