Shekh Morsalin’s strike sealed a 1-0 victory for Bangladesh over India in their AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Tuesday — a result that carried far more emotional weight than competitive consequence.
The win
is Bangladesh’s first over India in 22 years, harking back to their famous 2-1 golden-goal triumph in the 2003 SAFF Championship semi-final, also in Dhaka.
India, meanwhile, delivered a first half that felt all too familiar: erratic pressing, disjointed build-up, and a complete loss of structure once they went behind. Vikram Pratap Singh offered the only sparks of creativity in an otherwise flat attacking display, while a shaky defence repeatedly invited pressure and ultimately paid the price.
The introduction of debutant Sanan in the second half injected some urgency and purpose, triggering a spirited late push from the Blue Tigers. But the sluggish, error-ridden opening 45 minutes had already set the tone.
Bangladesh defended with discipline, held firm under pressure, and deservedly walked away with a historic win.
For India, it marks yet another disappointment in a bleak qualifying run. Winless in five, with only Hong Kong left to play, the Blue Tigers’ campaign continues to drift without direction.
(more to follow…)
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