Bangladesh ended a 22-year-long drought by defeating India in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Sheikh Morsalin's only goal ended long-standing drought of victory of Hamza-Samit's team.
Bangladesh defeated India 1-0 at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Tuesday night.
Bangladesh, last time, defeated India 2-1 at the National Stadium in Dhaka on January 18, 2003. That day, Bangladesh reached the final of the SAFF Championship with Matiur Rahman Munnar's golden goal. And after 22 years, Javier Cabrera's team won against India.
This is Bangladesh's first win in this year's AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Bangladesh is third in Group 'C' with five points from five matches. India is at the bottom with 2 points.
Sheikh Morsalin made a comeback to the team. The Bangladeshi forward was absent from the last match against Nepal due to injury. Today, he made Bangladesh happy after returning to the XI against India as he made a cool finish.
In the 11th minute of the match, he gently tapped the ball into the net between both the feet of Indian goalkeeper. However, the pass for the seventh goal of his career was brilliantly given by Rakib Hossain. Rakib passed an opponent's player at a fast pace from the left side and extended the pass with his right foot at the last moment. Morsalin made no mistake in putting Bangladesh ahead. After getting the goal, Bangladesh prepared several more attacks. However, it was to no avail.
On the other hand, India got a golden opportunity to equalize in the 31st minute of the match. While clearing the ball off the goalpost, goalkeeper Mitul Marma gave the ball to an Indian player. The Indian player also took a shot on the goalpost. However, Hamza cleared it with his head before it went into the net.
On the other hand, Bangladesh got a second goal opportunity in the 42nd minute. Hamza Chowdhury also took a shot from outside the box. However, the ball went wide for a short time. After that, Bangladesh went into the break without any further goals.
Bangladesh could not attack much in the second half. However, even though India conducted attack after attack to equalize, Hamza and Shamit handled it with determination.
Both teams' dreams of reaching the main stage of the AFC Asian Cup had already ended. But this match was a fight for dignity. Bangladesh won that fight with their heads held high.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
