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Published : 18 Nov 2025, 10:25 PM
Bangladesh have edged India 1-0 in a tense AFC Asian Cup qualifier to claim a victory over their neighbours after 22 years, thanks to a deft first-half strike by Shekh Morsalin.
In the 12th minute, midfielder Rakib Hossain whipped the ball into the box, where Morsalin burst through and toe-poked it past Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to put Bangladesh ahead at the National Stadium on Tuesday.
The goal sparked wild celebrations inside the stadium.
The remainder of the match saw Bangladesh fiercely defend their lead against a desperate Indian attack, holding on to claim the narrow win in the second leg of the third round of Asian Cup qualifiers.
Bangladesh’s last victory over India came in the 2003 SAFF Championship, when goals from Rokonuzzaman Kanchan and Matiur Rahman Munna sealed a 2–1 victory.
The win also lifted Bangladesh from the frustration of a winless qualifying campaign.
Captain Jamal Bhuiya, though sidelined from playing, witnessed his team break through a long spell of disappointment and savoured the moment of triumph.
Bangladesh climbed to third in Group C with five points from five matches. India remain at the bottom with just two points.
The National Stadium erupted from the first whistle, fans’ excitement mixing with lingering frustration.
Hamza Choudhury and Shamit Shome led the charge, but Bangladesh began cautiously, struggling to control midfield despite including Canada-based Shomit in the starting XI.
Early chances went begging. In the third minute, Rakib’s weak volley was easily saved by Sandhu, but the crowd roared in hope. Soon, Morsalin lit up the stadium.
Kazi Tarik Raihan was substituted in the 26th, and five minutes later, goalie Mitul Marma nearly invited danger but Hamza cleared a shot from Lalianzuala Chhangte.
Tensions flared later after a foul by Topu Barman, earning yellow cards for the defender and Nikhil Prabhu.
India pressed in the second half, testing Bangladesh’s defence with Mahesh Singh and Mohammed Sanan, but the team held firm, anchored by Hamza.
Javier Cabrera made changes in the 71st minute, bringing on Taj Uddin and Shahriar Imon for Zayyan Ahmed and Morsalin.
