A decisive early goal from Sheikh Morsalin helped Bangladesh break a 22-year drought against India, sealing a 1-0 victory in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium in Dhaka today.
Bangladesh had not defeated India since the 2003 SAFF Championship, but Morsalin finally ended the long wait with a clinical finish in the 11th minute. With their first win in Group C, Bangladesh climbed to third place with five points from five matches, while India remained at the bottom of the table with two points from the same number of outings.
India began strongly, dominating the opening minutes, but Bangladesh struck against the run of play. Rakib Hossain made a swift break down the left flank and delivered a precise cross to an advancing Morsalin, who slotted the ball into the net from close range—leaving Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh with no chance. The goal marked Morsalin’s seventh in international football.
India nearly equalised in the 31st minute after a fumble from Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma, but Hamza Choudhury produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Lallianzuala. Hamza almost doubled Bangladesh’s lead shortly before the break, but his left-footed volley flew over the bar in the 43rd minute.
India renewed their attacking efforts after halftime, creating two major chances in quick succession. Rahul Bheke’s close-range header went off target in the 52nd minute, followed by a powerful angled shot from substitute Mahesh Singh that narrowly missed in the 54th minute. Another opportunity came in the 70th minute when substitute Mohammad Sanan’s well-timed shot drifted just wide of the far post.
Bangladesh’s substitute Sakil Topu tested Gurpreet Singh with a long-range attempt in the 78th minute, but the Indian custodian made a sharp save to keep his side in the game.
Despite India’s late push, the Bangladesh defence held firm, supported by confident goalkeeping from Mitul Marma, ensuring the hosts secured a memorable victory.
Earlier in the match, Italy-based midfielder Shamit Shome and Morsalin returned to the starting lineup, while regular captain Jamal Bhuyan and Sohel Rana Jr were left out. Sohel Rana Sr led Bangladesh as captain in Jamal’s absence.
Bangladesh Line-up: Mitul Marma (GK), Topu Barman, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Zayyan Ahmed, Md Saad Uddin, Shohel Rana (C), Shamit Shome, Hamza Choudhury, Sheikh Morsalin, Md Goysal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain.
