Bangladesh Defeat India After 22 Years, A Historic Night in Asian Cup Qualifiers

The long wait of 22 years has finally come to an end. Bangladesh once again left the field victorious against India in international football. For the first time since the semifinal of the 2003 SAFF Championship, the men in red and green defeated their strong South Asian rivals. In the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh secured a 1–0 win, thanks to a lone strike from Sheikh Morsalin.

Bangladesh took the lead in the 11th minute when young forward Sheikh Morsalin found the back of the net. He calmly finished a precise pass from Rakib Hossain, beating the Indian goalkeeper. It was Morsalin’s seventh goal in national colours, sending the entire stadium into a frenzy.

Although India dominated possession in the early minutes, they failed to create clear chances. Bangladesh, on the other hand, capitalised on their opportunity and went ahead.

After the goal, Bangladesh tightened their defensive organisation. In the midfield, Hamza Choudhury emerged as the most reliable figure. A misjudgment from goalkeeper Mitul Marma almost caused Bangladesh to concede, but Hamza came to the rescue—clearing a threatening cross with a crucial header.

India continued to pile on attacks, getting close to equalising twice early in the second half. But the Bangladesh backline, especially Tapu Barman, Sad Uddin, and substitute Shakil Ahad Tapu, stood firm and blocked every effort with determination.

Midway through the first half, a scuffle between Tapu Barman and India’s Vikram heated up the atmosphere, resulting in yellow cards for both players. In the 27th minute, Tariq Kazi was forced to leave the field due to injury, with Shakil Ahad Tapu replacing him. Late in the match, Bangladesh appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved it off.

The six minutes of added time kept the entire stadium on edge. India threw everything forward in search of an equaliser but failed to break through. Bangladesh also created counterattacking chances but could not extend the lead.

Finally, the referee’s whistle triggered wild celebrations across the stadium—a long-awaited triumph over India after more than two decades.

With this victory, Bangladesh now sit third in the group with 5 points from five matches. It is their first win in the qualifiers and their first international victory in five matches. Bangladesh will face Singapore in March for their final qualifying match, a crucial fixture in their quest for a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.