India, who rested experienced central defender Sandesh Jhingan, went into an arrear in the 37th minute but came back strongly within six minutes to level the score through Ashique Kuruniyan.
BFC were the ISL 2018-19 champions, but also have six other top domestic titles to their name and will be vying for their seventh. They have presented the most successful striking force of the tournament with talisman Sunil Chhetri, Roy Krishna and Siva Sakthi, all being in goal-scoring form
The Mariners under Juan Ferrando have significantly strengthened in the summer despite losing the likes of Roy Krishna, David Williams and Sandesh Jhingan.
Juan Ferrando's men glided to the semi-finals of the ISL 2021-22 season on the shoulders of Sandesh Jhingan alongside Tiri, Pritam Kotal, and Subhasish Bose.
India are chasing a fifth appearance in the Asian Cup finals tournament. The Blue Tigers aim to qualify for back-to-back Asian Cups for the first time ever. Previously, India have featured in the 1964, 1984, 2011, and 2019 editions.
Manama [Bahrain], March 22 (ANI): A day prior to the kickoff to India's campaign in the two international friendlies against Bahrain and Belarus, Indian National Team Head Coach expects that the team will carry forward a "brave attitude" in the match against hosts Bahrain on Wednesday.
Panaji (Goa) [India], March 3 (ANI): The All India Football Federation (AIFF) Disciplinary Committee has issued a 'stern warning' to ATK Mohun Bagan player Sandesh Jhingan for his comments made after Indian Super League (ISL) Match No. 66 against Kerala Blasters FC, last month.
New Delhi [India], February 26 (ANI): The Blue Tigers labelled the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Final Round Qualifiers draw as an "interesting" one and echoed the need to believe in the abilities within the squad in India's quest to qualify to the AFC Asian Cup twice in a row for the first time.
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], February 18 (ANI): Defender Sandesh Jhingan expressed happiness on India hosting the final round of qualifiers of AFC Asian Cup China, 2023 and termed it as an 'extra bonus'.