After five games, India is the only team without a win in group C of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers after losing to Bangladesh for the first time since 2003. After a quick break, Shekh Morsalin scored in the eleventh minute to give Bangladesh its first victory over India since the SAFF Championship in Dhaka in 2003. After losing to Singapore 1-2 at home last month, this was India’s second straight loss of the season.
When the final whistle blew, the more than 23,000 spectators who had crowded Dhaka’s National Stadium heaved with happiness because both sides were eliminated from the finals race. Once more, India struggled to find a path in the front third of the field.
Bangladesh, who were pinned down for the majority of the second half, managed to escape with a combination of tenacious defense and disruptive tactics, with players—especially goalie Mitul Marma—going down time and time again. India’s attack gained momentum after Mahesh Naorem was brought on as No. 10, particularly down the middle, something Macarton Louis Nickson had not been able to accomplish in the first half. Mohammed Sanan may already be a player Khalid Jamil’s rebuilding process has identified as a good fit for the India head coach.
Five minutes after entering the game, Sanan—one of Jamil’s two debutants, along with Lalremtluanga Fanai—created India’s greatest opportunity of the second half by accurately delivering a pass to Brison Fernandes in the 67th minute. One of the new players Jamil has faith in, Fernandes, missed a free header.
Earlier, India came close when Rahul Bheke headed Suresh Wangjam’s free kick and Rahim Ali failed to reach the ball in time to tip it in. Soon after, Sanan used a skillful placement to test Marma from a distance. The 21-year-old also showed intelligence by thwarting a counterattack by Bangladesh and earning a team booking.
Although the India-wide right had obviously lost the edge, referee Clifford Daypuyat chose to let play continue rather than call a foul against Bangladesh for dragging back Vikram Partap Singh.
Around the 30-minute mark, Marma broke his line and caused havoc in his defense, giving India their finest opportunity. After Ali won the ball, Nickson passed it to Lallianzuala Chhangte, who lobbed for the first time after spotting an empty goal. With a header, Humza Choudhury avoided danger.
After an India corner kick, Rakib Hossain beat Akash Mishra and found Morsalin with an outside-of-the-boot pass to give Bangladesh a quick break. Morsalin scored after nutmegging Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, but no midfielder had been able to follow him.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
