The Indian football team suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat against Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers match at the Dhaka National Stadium on Tuesday. The loss confirmed a disappointing campaign for India, who finished the round winless and rooted at the bottom of the four-team Group C table with just two points from five matches. Bangladesh recorded its first win of the qualification campaign, finishing third in the group with five points.
Bangladesh took the lead early in the first half, scoring in the 11th minute after capitalizing on a swift counterattack. Following an Indian long throw, Rakib Hossain raced down the left flank and sent a low pass into the box to an unmarked Shekh Morsalin, who slipped the ball past Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu.
India's best chance to equalize came just after the half-hour mark when the ball was laid off to Lallianzuala Chhangte for a crack at an empty goal, but Bangladesh midfielder Hamza Choudhury intervened with a crucial headed clearance.
Although the match was rendered inconsequential, with both sides already out of contention for the 2027 continental showpiece, the result was particularly embarrassing for India, who are currently ranked 47 places higher than Bangladesh in the FIFA men’s football rankings (136th vs 183rd).
India’s head coach Khalid Jamil made changes in the second half, handing debuts to youngsters Mohammed Sanan and Lalremtluanga Fanai. Winger Sanan immediately looked lively, using his trickery and speed to trouble the Bangladesh defense. He created several opportunities, including a beautiful cross to Brison Fernandes, who headed wide, and later volleying a shot that was tipped away by goalkeeper Mitul Marma after a melee from a corner. However, the late injection of young talent was not enough to salvage a result.
The defeat ended a disappointing qualifying campaign where India failed to win a single match against opponents they were expected to beat, including Singapore and Hong Kong. Head coach Khalid Jamil, who was criticized for the cautious approach and slow introduction of young talent, will lead the team in their last match of the qualifiers against Hong Kong at home on March 31 next year.