India’s AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers trip to Dhaka ended in frustration, as a single first-half strike from Shekh Morsalin sealed a 1–0 win for Bangladesh at the National Stadium on November 18.
The result leaves Group C wide open beneath leaders Singapore, who secured top spot earlier in the day. Hong Kong remain second, while Bangladesh and India sit third and fourth, respectively, heading into the final round of fixtures.
Bangladesh Strike Early, Then Dig In
The opening phase in Dhaka felt evenly balanced until Bangladesh pounced on an India long throw that broke loose. Rakib Hossain burst down the left and squared for the unmarked Morsalin, whose composed finish beat Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
India steadied quickly and grew into the match. Suresh Singh Wangjam steered a half-chance wide from distance, while Nikhil Prabhu saw a long-range attempt blocked. Their clearest look came when Rahim Ali forced a turnover from goalkeeper Mitul Marma, sparking a sequence that ended with Lallianzuala Chhangte aiming at an open goal—only for Hamza Choudhury to throw himself into a crucial block.
The Blue Tigers kept pressing. Anwar Ali threatened twice from set pieces, including a sharp header from a Chhangte corner and a clever flick-on from a long throw, but Bangladesh held firm. Choudhury nearly punished India on the counter with a volley just before halftime, sending it wide.
India Turn Up the Heat
Head coach Khalid Jamil’s changes reshaped the attack. Mahesh Singh Naorem’s introduction added instant spark, and his movement unsettled the Bangladesh back line.
India almost levelled when Suresh whipped in a teasing free-kick that Rahul Bheke headed goalward. Rahim Ali lurked at the mouth of goal, but Bangladesh’s defence scrambled it clear.
Debutant Mohammed Sanan made a lively impression on the left flank. After cutting inside for a shot that Marma saved, he soon delivered a lofted cross that found Brison Fernandes unmarked—only for the header to drift wide. Sanan had a third chance when a loose ball dropped kindly to him in the box, but Marma again reacted sharply.
Bangladesh Hold On Under Pressure
Even as India pushed higher, Bangladesh kept flashes of danger alive on the counter. Topu Barman drew a diving stop from Gurpreet in the 79th minute, reminding the visitors of the threat in transition.
The match closed at a frantic pace. Vikram Partap Singh and Fernandes surged forward in the 84th minute, only for Bangladesh to disrupt the move. Despite India’s late waves of pressure, the home defence absorbed everything thrown their way and preserved the narrow lead.
Milestones and What’s Next
Chhangte marked his 50th international appearance, while Jamil handed senior debuts to Sanan and Lalremtluanga Fanai—both late bright spots on a difficult night.
India now shift focus to their next key test against Hong Kong in the final round of AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers on March 31, 2026.
