Dhaka: A lone goal by Sheikh Morsalin propelled Bangladesh to a historic 1-0 victory over India in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium. This win marks Bangladesh’s first triumph over India since the 2003 SAFF Championship, ending a 22-year wait for a win against their rivals.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the crucial goal came in the 11th minute when Rakib Hossain delivered a cross from the left wing, allowing Morsalin to score from close range. This goal not only secured the win but also marked Morsalin’s seventh international goal for Bangladesh. The victory pushed Bangladesh to third place in Group C, with five points from five matches, while India remains at the bottom with two points from the same number of matches.
Although India started strongly, showcasing sharpness and control in the first ten minutes, Bangladesh capitalized on a counter-attack to take the lead. India’s best chance in the first half came in the 31st minute when Lallianzuala’s shot was cleared by Hamza, preventing a certain goal. Hamza almost doubled the lead just before half-time, but his volley went over the bar.
In the second half, India made several attempts to equalize. Defender Rahul Bheke’s header missed the target in the 52nd minute, and substitute Majhesh Singh’s shot narrowly missed in the 54th minute. Despite creating opportunities, India struggled to break down Bangladesh’s defense, with goalkeeper Mitul Marma making crucial saves.
Bangladesh had a chance to extend their lead in the 78th minute, but Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh made a brilliant save from Sakil Topu’s long-range shot. Throughout the match, Bangladesh displayed a strong defensive performance, thwarting India’s attempts to score.
The match saw several changes in the Bangladesh lineup, with Italian-based midfielder Shamit Shome and Sheikh Morsalin included in the starting eleven, while Jamal Bhuyan and Sohel Rana Jr were left out. Sohel Rana Sr led the team as captain in place of the regular captain Jamal Bhuyan.
Bangladesh’s squad for the match included Mitul Marma (gk), Topu Barman, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Zayyan Ahmed, Md Saad Uddin, Shohel Rana (c), Shamit Shome, Hamza Choudhury, Shekh Morsalin, Md Goysal Ahmed Fahim, and Rakib Hossain.