Bangladesh wins against India, ending 22-year hoodoo
Published: 19 November 2025, 2:21:12
Bangladesh rewrites it’s football history with a historic performance on Tuesday, defeating India 1-0 in the AFC Cup qualifiers at National Stadium, ending a 22-year wait for a victory over their South Asian rivals.
Shekh Morsalin’s early strike in the 11th minute proved decisive, as Bangladesh held firm against a persistent Indian attack to secure a memorable win that has sent fans into jubilant celebration.
The moment final whistle blew from Philippine referee Clifford, the stadium erupted in unrestrained jubilation, and Bangladesh had finally beaten India again on home soil, two decades after Motiur Munna’s golden goal secured victory in the 2003 SAFF Championship semifinal on the same ground.
Bangladesh took an early lead through Morsalin after a sharp counter-attack involving Rakib Hossain. The forward received a clever pass inside the box and calmly placed the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, sparking roaring celebrations from the dugout.
Having conceded late goals against Hong Kong and Nepal in previous matches, Bangladeshi fans feared a repeat heartbreak. But this time, the defence—anchored superbly by English Premier League player Hamza Choudhury—held firm.
Hamza delivered a standout performance, including a crucial goal-line headed clearance in the 30th minute to deny India a certain equaliser. He repeatedly thwarted India’s second-half attacks with timely interceptions and calm defensive organisation.
India’s head coach Khalid Jamil made several tactical and personnel changes after the break in search of an equaliser, but his side could not penetrate Bangladesh’s disciplined backline.
Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera also made key switches, replacing goalscorer Morsalin with Shahriar Emon, whose pace troubled the Indian defence but did not result in another goal.
Despite India’s higher FIFA ranking, 136, and stronger squad depth, they struggled to impose themselves—partly due to the absence of nine starters from their March home fixture, many of whom joined late from club commitments. Their weakened lineup reflected clearly on the pitch.
The match was not short on drama. Tensions flared in the 35th minute when a clash between Bangladesh defender Topu Barman and India’s Vikram Pratap triggered a brief scuffle, leading to yellow cards for both players. More heated exchanges followed in the second half, though the referee managed to keep the match under control.
Bangladesh had ended the first half with their 1-0 advantage intact, surviving several corners and half-chances.
Hamza also came close to scoring just before halftime, unleashing a powerful left-footed shot that missed the post by a narrow margin. Cabrera was forced into an early defensive change as Tariq Kazi went off injured, replaced by Shakil Ahad Topu.
With this win, Bangladesh climb to five points after five matches, sitting third in their group. India remain bottom with two points. Both teams are already out of contention for Asian Cup qualification, but Bangladesh’s first home win of the campaign—and their first victory over India since 2003—will be remembered as a landmark moment in recent Bangladeshi football history.
