Bangladesh End 22-Year Wait with Win Over India

Sheikh Morsalin produced a magical moment in Dhaka on Tuesday as Bangladesh defeated India 1–0, ending a 22-year wait for a competitive victory over their regional rivals and securing their first win of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The breakthrough arrived early. In the 12th minute, Morsalin played the ball wide to Rakib Hossain before sprinting into the box to meet the return pass. With a composed finish, the 20-year-old slipped the ball through the legs of Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, sending the packed National Stadium into raptures.

From there, Bangladesh defended with discipline and determination, resisting India’s repeated attempts to draw level.

The result revived memories of Bangladesh’s last win over India—a 2–1 victory in the 2003 SAFF Championship. Two decades later, Morsalin restored that long-lost euphoria, delivering a moment fans had awaited for a generation.

Bangladesh entered the match without a win in the qualifiers, but the victory finally broke the streak of frustration. With the three points, Bangladesh moved to third place in Group C on five points from five matches, while India dropped to the bottom with two. Captain Jamal Bhuiyan, though unused, celebrated passionately from the bench.

India pushed hard after the break. Substitute Mahesh Singh fired off target, while Mohammad Sanan forced goalkeeper Mitul Marma into a save from distance in the 65th minute. But Bangladesh held firm, anchored by Hamza Choudhury’s commanding presence in midfield.

Bangladesh appealed for a penalty in the 81st minute when a header from Fahim struck Sandesh Jhingan, but the referee waved it away. India mounted a late surge, only for Mitul to stay composed under pressure.

Bangladesh nearly doubled the lead in stoppage time when Fahim broke into the box, but his effort was blocked at the last moment.

Moments later, the final whistle sparked jubilation. Players embraced, fans roared, and Bangladesh celebrated a long-awaited triumph—one that will resonate across South Asian football for years to come.