Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Nov 18, 2025 (BSS) - A lone goal by Sheikh Morsalin helped Bangladesh finally end a 22-year wait for victory over India as the hosts won 1-0 in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium in Dhaka today.

Bangladesh had not beaten India since the 2003 SAFF Championship but Morsalin finally ended Bangladesh long wait scoring the all-important goal in the 11th minute.

With this maiden victory in the group C, Bangladesh moved to the third position in the table with five points from five matches while India remained bottom of the table with two points playing the same number of matches.

Though India looked sharp, hungry, and in complete control in the first ten minutes, Bangladesh took the lead in the 11th minute following a counter attack. 

Forward Rakib Hossain darting down the left wing and provided a cross to onrushing Morsalin who made no mistake to send the ball home from close range giving no chance to Indian custodian Gurpreet who came forward to clear the ball. It was also the seventh international goal by Morsalin in Bangladesh jersey. 

India came close of scoring in the 31st minute. Bangladesh almost conceded a goal due to goalkeeper Mitul Marma's mistake. Lallianzuala took a shot before the open net but Hamza cleared the attempt saving his team from a certain goal at a cost of corner.

Hamza almost doubled Bangladesh's lead just before half-time, unleashing a left-footed volley in the 43rd minute that sailed harmlessly over the bar.

After the resumption, India desperately looked to restore the parity. They created two real scoring chances in a span of three minutes. 

Defender Rahul Bheke's header from the close range header from inside the danger zone went out of play in the 52nd minute while substitute midfielder Majhesh Singh powerful left footer angular shot from the edge of the D box narrowly missed the target in the 54th minute.

India again came close of scoring in the 70th minute but substitute Mohammad Sanan well-judge shot from inside the D box went out of play beside the left side bar.

Bangladesh had a chance to increase the margin in the 78th minute but substitute Sakil Topu's long range shot was brilliantly gripped by Indian custodian Gurpreet Singh.

Though India had shown flashes of attacking flair, they found it difficult to carve open the Bangladesh defence. When they did manage to get shots off, goalkeeper Mitul Marma was equal to the task.

Despite a few late attempts by the India to salvage pride, Bangladesh's backline remained resolute wrapping up assured performance.

Earlier, Italian based midfielder Shamit Shome and Sheikh Morsalin have been included while Jamal Bhuyan and Sohel Rana Jr left out in the playing eleven against India.

Sohel Rana Sr captained the day's encounter against India in replace of regular captain Jamal Bhuyan. 

Bangladesh squad - Mitul Marma (gk), Topu Barman, Tariq Raihan Kazi, Zayyan Ahmed, Md Saad Uddin, Shohel Rana (c), Shamit Shome, Hamza Choudhury, Shekh Morsalin, Md Goysal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain.