A lone goal from Sheikh Morsalin ended Bangladesh’s 22-year winless run against India as the hosts clinched a 1-0 victory in their AFC Asian Cup Qualifier at the National Stadium in Dhaka.
Bangladesh had not beaten India since the 2003 SAFF Championship, but Morsalin broke the drought in the 11th minute, finishing a cross from Rakib Hossain during a counterattack. The goal marked his seventh international strike.
With the win—Bangladesh’s first in Group C—the team moved to third place with five points from five matches, while India remained bottom with two points.
India threatened early dominance and nearly equalised in the 31st minute after a misjudgment by Bangladesh goalkeeper Mitul Marma, but Hamza cleared Lallianzuala’s attempt off the line. Hamza later missed a chance to double the lead just before halftime.
India pushed hard after the break, creating chances in the 52nd, 54th, and 70th minutes, but failed to convert. Bangladesh came close again in the 78th minute, only for Indian keeper Gurpreet Singh to deny substitute Sakil Topu.
Despite late pressure, Bangladesh’s defence held firm, with Mitul producing several crucial saves to secure the landmark win.
Earlier, Shamit Shome and Morsalin were included in the starting XI, while Jamal Bhuyan and Sohel Rana Jr were left out. Sohel Rana Sr captained the side.
Bangladesh XI: Mitul Marma (GK), Topu Barman, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Zayyan Ahmed, Md Saad Uddin, Shohel Rana (C), Shamit Shome, Hamza Choudhury, Sheikh Morsalin, Md Goysal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain.
