Morsalin Strikes as Bangladesh Stun India 1-0 in AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

Bangladesh earned a memorable 1-0 victory over India in their AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at the Dhaka National Stadium on Tuesday, with Shekh Morsalin’s composed first-half finish sealing the home side’s first win of the campaign.

Though the result had no bearing on qualification, it was a moment of pride for the hosts, who delivered a disciplined and determined display to outwit their South Asian rivals. For India, the defeat was another blow in a disappointing qualifying run that has now stretched to five games without a win.

The match began at a lively pace, both sides eager to assert themselves. India looked to dominate possession, while Bangladesh relied on quick transitions and compact defending. The breakthrough came midway through the first half, when India’s attacking long throw backfired. Rakib Hossain picked up the loose ball on the counter and sprinted down the left flank before sliding a precise low cross into the box. Shekh Morsalin, left unmarked, calmly slotted past Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to put Bangladesh 1-0 up amid roaring cheers from the home crowd.

Stunned but unshaken, India responded with a series of chances. Suresh Singh Wangjam’s 17th-minute effort from distance went wide, while Nikhil Prabhu saw his long-range strike blocked moments later. The visitors’ clearest opportunity came just after the half-hour mark when Rahim Ali’s pressing forced a turnover from goalkeeper Mitul Marma. The loose ball fell to Macarton Louis Nickson, who teed up Lallianzuala Chhangte for what seemed a certain goal. But Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury made a heroic, diving block with his head to preserve the lead.

India made several changes after the interval as head coach Khalid Jamil introduced debutants Mohammed Sanan and Lalremtluanga Fanai in search of an equaliser. Sanan injected fresh energy into India’s attack, coming close in the 66th minute when he cut inside and forced Marma into a fine save. Moments later, his pinpoint cross found Brison Fernandes unmarked, but the midfielder headed narrowly wide. Sanan continued to threaten, testing Marma again late in the game with a sharp volley that was smartly turned away.

Despite India’s pressure, Bangladesh held firm, showing impressive composure and teamwork to protect their slender lead until the final whistle. The victory lifted Bangladesh to third in the four-team group with five points, while India remained bottom with just two.

India will now look to salvage pride when they host Hong Kong in their final qualifier on March 31 next year.