India suffered their first defeat in opposition to Bangladesh in 22 years, taking place 0-1 to the house aspect in an inconsequential Group C match of the Asian Cup qualifying spherical match right here on Tuesday.
Sheikh Morsalin scored the all-important purpose for Bangladesh within the eleventh minute to the wild cheer of the capability crowd on the Nationwide Stadium right here. The match, although, had been rendered inconsequential as each the edges have been out of rivalry of the 2027 continental showpiece.
India acquired a golden scoring likelihood within the thirty first minute however Lallianzuala Chhangte’s right-footed shot from the highest of the field after Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma was utterly out of place was headed away by Hamza Choudhury.
There was an occasion of pushing and shoving amongst some gamers of the 2 groups close to the contact line within the first half however the referee introduced it below management.
India’s final defeat in opposition to Bangladesh was in the course of the 2003 SAFF Gold Cup, the place the latter had prevailed 2-1 on the similar venue in Dhaka. Since then, the 2 sides had confronted one another in 9 matches earlier than Tuesday, and India had gained 3 times whereas six have been drawn affairs.
India’s marketing campaign for the 2027 Asian Cup had successfully ended on October 14, once they squandered a 1-0 result in lose 1-2 to Singapore in Margao, Goa.
By advantage of the defeat, a winless India remained rooted on the backside of the four-team desk with simply two factors from 5 matches. This was their third loss within the third spherical of the qualifiers. The opposite two matches have been drawn affairs.
After the win, Bangladesh, who notched their first win in 5 matches, remained on third with 5 factors.
The primary leg match between the 2 sides had resulted in a goal-less draw on March 25 in Shillong.
Singapore, who defeated Hong Kong 2-1 earlier within the day in Hong Kong, sealed the highest spot in Group C with 11 factors and certified for the 2027 Asian Cup. Hong Kong are in second place with eight factors.
India are presently ranked 136th within the FIFA chart whereas Bangladesh are at 183rd.
India play their final match of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers in opposition to Hong Kong at residence on March 31, 2026.
Lallianzuala Chhangte performed his fiftieth worldwide match on Tuesday, whereas India head coach Khalid Jamil handed debuts to Mohammed Sanan and Lalremtluanga Fanai, bringing the 2 on from the bench.
After conceding the purpose within the first half, the Blue Tigers mounted a barrage of assaults on Bangladesh within the second half. They got here out with extra intent within the second session, as Jamil launched Mahesh Singh Naorem instead of Nikhil Prabhu. The substitution introduced speedy influence, with Mahesh utilizing his creativity to bother the Bangladesh defence.
Suresh whipped a free-kick from the left into the field, which was headed goalwards by Rahul Bheke, with Rahim Ali ready on the goalmouth to show it in. Nonetheless, Bangladesh’s defenders managed to clear the hazard.
The introduction of Sanan created additional alternatives for India, because the winger used his trickery and consciousness on the left flank. Receiving a go from Rahim within the 66th minute, Sanan dummied his marker to chop inside and shoot, however his effort was saved.
A minute later, the winger hung a lovely cross from the left in the direction of an unmarked Brison Fernandes, who headed extensive.
Amid the Indian assaults, Bangladesh appeared to create just a few counters of their very own and got here near doubling their lead within the 79th minute when Topu Barman’s strike from outdoors the field was collected by a diving Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
Regardless of a frantic end, the Bangladesh defence held agency to safe the three factors in opposition to the Blue Tigers.
The match-day squad didn’t characteristic Australia-born ahead Ryan Williams, who not too long ago obtained an Indian passport. He had travelled with the workforce as a part of the 23 gamers.
He has obtained the NOC from Soccer Australia however is but to get clearance from the FIFA for registration.
Printed – November 19, 2025 12:56 am IST
