India’s footballing struggles hit a contemporary low on Tuesday evening after a 0–1 defeat to Bangladesh in Dhaka, a end result that cemented their place on the backside of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying group. India had been already out of rivalry earlier than kick-off, however this match was presupposed to be an opportunity to revive some satisfaction. As a substitute, it was one other reminder of how far the nationwide staff has slipped.
On the sphere, India made life troublesome for themselves from the beginning. Bangladesh struck within the eleventh minute after a speedy counterattack that left the Indian backline scrambling. Rakib Hossein outpaced Akash Mishra on the suitable, held off a second defender and squeezed in a cross that sliced the protection open. As Gurpreet Singh Sandhu hesitated to cost, 19-year-old Sheikh Morsalin ghosted in and lifted a cool end previous the keeper. The stadium erupted. In any case, this was Bangladesh’s first win over India in 22 years.
For a lot of the primary half, India appeared flat. A cautious midfield setup allowed Bangladesh to take a seat comfortably of their form. Hamza Choudhury gave the impression to be all over the place, clearing a Chhangte try off the road at one second and making an attempt a troublesome volley on the different. India’s buildup lacked spark and their final-third selections felt predictable.
Issues improved after the break. Mahesh Singh got here on instantly and debutant Mohammed Sanan adopted quickly after. Each introduced velocity and confidence, particularly Sanan who was concerned in virtually each promising assault. Mahesh despatched a curling effort simply large, Rahul Bheke powered a header previous the submit and Sanan pressured a pointy save from Bangladesh keeper Mitul Marma. For all their further vitality, although, the equalizer by no means materialized.
When the whistle blew, Bangladesh celebrated a long-awaited win whereas India walked away figuring out that they had collected solely two factors from 5 matches. This was their third defeat of the spherical and one other entry in a 12 months that has been powerful to observe for followers of Indian soccer. It additionally added to a sample that started with the October defeat to Singapore, when India threw away a 1–0 lead and with it their qualifying hopes.
What makes the loss sting much more is how intently it appears to reflect the state of Indian soccer off the pitch. With the Indian Tremendous League, the nation’s prime membership competitors, caught in uncertainty over its long-term construction and future roadmap, the nationwide staff’s lack of identification and course out of the blue feels much less shocking. When the inspiration wobbles, the roof normally does too.
India’s last match is at residence towards Hong Kong in March 2026, however the bigger questions have already been requested. With the ISL’s future unclear and the nationwide staff caught in its most worrying run in years, the loss in Dhaka is greater than a nasty evening. It’s a snapshot of a system that wants rebuilding, reassurance and an actual plan.
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