Kolkata, November 18: India’s campaign in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers came to an end with a narrow 1–0 defeat against Bangladesh at the Dhaka National Stadium, where an early strike separated the two sides. The match carried no weight in terms of qualification, but it still offered a competitive display, with India pushing hard in the second half yet unable to break through.

The decisive moment came very early. At 11th minutes, India tried to create something from a throw-in on the right, but Bangladesh cleared quickly and launched a counter. The ball reached Shekh Morsalin deep inside his own half, and he sent a long ball forward. Rakib sprinted ahead of Akash Mishra to keep it alive and squared it back into the box. Morsalin, completing his run, met the pass and slipped the ball through Gurpreet’s legs, giving Bangladesh a 1–0 lead.

India struggled to settle into rhythm after conceding. Around the 21st minute, forward passes kept breaking down as Bangladesh pressed well through Hamza Choudhury, who controlled midfield and repeatedly won loose balls.

India attempted a more direct route soon after. In the 23rd minutes, Nikhil Prabhu tried to release Vikram on the right with a long ball, but it carried too much pace and rolled behind for a goal kick.

Their biggest chance of the first half arrived in the 31st minute. Bangladesh’s keeper moved far forward, and Rahim Ali pressed him quickly, forcing a rushed clearance. The ball fell to Chhangte outside the area, Chhangte tried placing it into the open net, but Hamza tracked back brilliantly to head it away and save Bangladesh from conceding.

Tensions rose at the mark of 34th minutes, when Vikram and Topu Barman clashed near the sideline. Players from both sides reacted, and the referee calmed the situation by showing yellow cards to each.

India returned with more energy after the break. In the 53rd minute, Vikram’s cross from the right was half-cleared to Mahesh, who struck it on the volley but sent it just past the post. It was another promising moment that went unfinished.

The pressure continued. At 57th minutes, Vikram tried a low pass toward Rahim Ali, but Topu read the danger and cleared it for a corner.

Fresh legs made an impact when Sanan entered. In the 64th minute, he flicked the ball over Saad on the left side to open up space, but he hesitated before crossing, allowing Hamza to block.

India gained full control of the game as time passed. By the 72nd minute, the play was almost entirely inside Bangladesh’s half. Still, Bangladesh stayed compact, clearing every attempted through ball and denying India any space behind their defensive line.

At 90+3rd minutes, Mahesh delivered a ball towards Edmund, but Marma came far off his line to claim it and slow the tempo.

Bangladesh had a late chance too. In the 90+7th minute, Hossain sent Fahim through the middle. Fahim tried to cut the ball onto his right foot inside the box, but Anwar stepped in with a crucial block, preventing a second Bangladesh goal.

In the end, India’s improved second-half performance couldn’t undo the early damage. Bangladesh’s early goal, combined with compact defending and strong midfield work, carried them to victory. India dominated long periods of possession but lacked the final pass or finish needed to equalise. And although both teams were already out of contention and did not qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, the match still reflected their competitive spirit and desire to finish the campaign on a positive note.