Bangladesh 1-0 India: Indian football's scenario gets worse with a defeat against Bangladesh in AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers
Sheikh Morsalin scored the decisive goal in the 11th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse. Despite India’s attempts to respond, India did not manage to score.
Last Updated: 10.34 PM, Nov 18, 2025
Bangladesh scripted a memorable night in Dhaka with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over India in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, sending shockwaves across the South Asian football scene and reigniting hope for the Bengal Tigers’ continental campaign. Sheikh Morsalin’s 11th-minute strike proved decisive as Bangladesh secured all three points in front of their jubilant home fans, while India were left frustrated by their inability to find the net despite enjoying sporadic periods of dominance.
How to watch the highlights of the match?
Football fans in India can watch highlights of the Bangladesh vs India, AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on OTTplay Premium.
Early strike from Bangladesh
From the opening whistle, Bangladesh pressed with intensity and purpose at the National Stadium, Dhaka. Their efforts bore fruit in the 11th minute when a pacey move down the left saw Rakib Hossain outmanoeuvre Akash Mishra, delivering a low ball that caught India’s defence napping.
Amid indecision at the back, Sheikh Morsalin capitalised on the loose ball and calmly slotted past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, giving Bangladesh a morale-boosting 1-0 advantage.
The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy and gave the hosts much-needed confidence to dictate the tempo for the remainder of the half. Bangladesh’s midfield, led by captain Shohel Rana and Hamza Choudhury, worked tirelessly to disrupt India’s rhythm and challenge for every second ball.
India struggled in the first-half
The Blue Tigers looked rattled by the intensity of the hosts. Possession changed hands frequently in midfield, and India struggled to carve clear openings.
Vikram Pratap tried to inject creativity, but support was sparse, with Lallianzuala Chhangte and Rahim Ali unable to convert half-chances. A crucial clearance by Hamza Choudhury denied Chhangte an open goal, and a string of set-pieces proved fruitless for India.
India’s defence looked vulnerable to Bangladesh’s energetic counterattacks, as Rahib Hossain and Morsalin consistently exploited the flanks.
There was tension on the pitch with tempers flaring after a physical exchange between Topu Barman and Vikram Pratap, but the hosts kept their composure and saw out the half.
India's fight back in the second half
India returned with renewed purpose after the interval, with tactical tweaks that brought more urgency and attacking width.
Naorem Mahesh Singh’s introduction provided a spark, and the visitors quickly began creating chances down both wings. A Suresh Singh cross found Rahul Bheke in a dangerous position, only for the defender’s header to miss the target by inches.
Long throws, overlapping runs from fullbacks, and a succession of crosses tested Bangladesh’s resolute defence, marshalled by Topu Barman and Zayyan Ahmed.
Substitute Sanan caused problems with clever movement, delivering inviting balls into the box, but India’s finishing repeatedly let them down. Bryson lay on the end of one of Sanan’s crosses but failed to hit the mark.
India kept on missing chances
The clearest signs of Indian frustration came in the final 20 minutes, as Bangladesh retreated but retained composure.
Keeper Mitul Marma was alert throughout, making key stops to preserve the fragile lead. A curling effort from Mohammed Sanan and a last-ditch attempt from Vikram Pratap summed up India’s wasteful evening in front of goal.
Bangladesh, for their part, nearly doubled their advantage in the latter stages through quick breaks and a volley from Hamza Choudhury that zipped just wide. As the clock ticked down, India threw players forward but were thwarted by resolute defending and tactical fouls by the hosts.
For India, the defeat was a sobering reminder of their vulnerability against well-organised, motivated opponents.