India’s football performance hit a new low on Tuesday night after a 0-1 defeat by Bangladesh in Dhaka, a result that cemented its place at the bottom of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. India were already out of contention before kick-off, but this match should have been a chance to restore some pride. Instead, it turned into another reminder of how far the national team has slipped.
On the field, India made life difficult from the start. Bangladesh struck in the 11th minute after a quick counter-attack that left the Indian backline scrambling. Rakib Hossein got ahead of Akash Mishra on the right, held off the other defender and squeezed in a pass that sliced through the defence. As Gurpreet Singh Sandhu hesitated to attack, 19-year-old Sheikh Morsalin stepped in like a ghost and lifted a cool finish past the keeper. The stadium exploded. After all, it was Bangladesh’s first win over India in 22 years.
India looked composed for most of the first half. Careful midfield setup allowed Bangladesh to sit comfortably in their shape. Hamza Choudhury seemed to be everywhere, at one point clearing Chhangte’s effort off the line and at the other trying a heavy volley. India’s build-up lacked spark and their final third decisions were predictable.
After the break, the situation improved. Mahesh Singh stepped in immediately and debutant Mohammed Sanan followed soon after. Both brought speed and confidence, especially Sanan, who was involved in almost every promising attack. Mahesh sent the ball wide, Rahul Bheke sent a header wide of the post and Sanan forced a sharp save from Bangladesh keeper Mitul Marma. For all their extra energy, the equalizer never materialized.
When the whistle blew, Bangladesh were celebrating a long-awaited win, while India walked away with just two points from five matches. It was their third defeat in the round and another entry in what has been a tough year for Indian football fans to watch. It also added to a pattern that began with the defeat to Singapore in October, when India threw away a 1-0 lead and with it their qualification hopes.
The loss is all the more stinging as it seems to reflect the state of Indian football off the field. With the Indian Super League, the country’s top club competition, mired in uncertainty over its long-term structure and future plan, the national team’s lack of identity and direction is suddenly less surprising. When the foundation wobbles, the roof usually wobbles too.
India’s final match is at home against Hong Kong in March 2026, but bigger questions have already been asked. With the future of the ISL unclear and the national team mired in their most troubling run in years, the loss in Dhaka is more than a bad night. It’s a snapshot of a system that needs rebuilding, reassurance and a real plan.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
November 18, 2025
