Dhaka, Bangladesh Global: Sheikh Morsalin scripted a night to remember in Dhaka as Bangladesh defeated India 1–0 on Tuesday, ending a 22-year wait for a competitive victory over their regional rivals and securing their first win of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
The decider came early. In the 12th minute, Morsalin surged forward after releasing the ball to Rakib Hossain, then darted into the box to meet Rakib’s return pass. With a delicate touch, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder slipped the ball between the legs of Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, sending the packed National Stadium erupted.
From that moment, Bangladesh fought to protect the lead with grit and discipline, especially against an India side desperate to salvage their campaign.
The win revived memories of Bangladesh’s last triumph over India, a 2–1 victory in the 2003 SAFF Championship. Two decades later, Morsalin brought that long-lost feeling back to the stands, delivering a moment generations of fans had been waiting for.
Bangladesh entered the match without a win in the current qualifiers. But Tuesday’s performance snapped that run and softened the recent disappointment. With the result, Bangladesh climbed to third place in Group C with 5 points from five matches, while India slipped to the bottom with 2. Captain Jamal Bhuiyan, though unused, celebrated the rare win intently from the bench.
India pushed hard for an equaliser after the break. Substitute Mahesh Singh fired wide, while Mohammad Sanan tested goalkeeper Mitul Marma with a long-range effort in the 65th minute. But Bangladesh held firm, anchored by the commanding presence of Hamza Choudhury in midfield.
Bangladesh appealed for a penalty in the 81st minute when Fahim’s header struck Sandesh Jhingan, but the referee dismissed the claim. India then launched a late surge, only for Mitul to remain composed between the posts.
However, Bangladesh could have doubled the lead in stoppage time when Fahim broke into the box, but a defender blocked his shot at the last seconds.
Moments later, the final whistle set off wild celebrations. Players embraced, fans erupted, and Bangladesh savoured a long-awaited victory, one that will echo in South Asian football for years to come.
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