Dhaka: Indian football plunged to one of its darkest moments on Thursday as the national team suffered a 0–1 defeat to Bangladesh in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, confirming a last-place finish in a group they were widely expected to dominate.
Bangladesh secured only their fourth-ever win over India thanks to an 11th-minute strike from Shekh Morsalin. The defeat comes 22 years after Motiur Munna’s famous golden goal against India in the 2003 SAFF Cup—another historic moment that stings Indian supporters even today.
What makes this loss particularly damning is the bigger picture: India have finished bottom of a group featuring Bangladesh, Singapore and Hong Kong, despite entering the qualification campaign as clear favourites to top the table.
While debates will rage about coaching decisions, player selection and tactical choices, the final outcome is a brutal reminder of India’s deeper footballing failures. A nation that repeatedly speaks of rising to Asian football relevance cannot afford to end behind three teams it was expected to beat comfortably.
Singapore, under Gavin Lee, have now sealed qualification for the continental tournament, while India face the consequences of a long-broken domestic and developmental ecosystem.
Despite both sides being already eliminated before kickoff, Bangladesh showed urgency from the first whistle. Their players appeared sharper and more cohesive, helped by regular game time in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League. Indian players, many uncertain about the future of their domestic league amid the AIFF’s unresolved ISL crisis, struggled visibly.
India’s night started poorly even before kick-off. Former Australia international Ryan Williams, who travelled with the squad and was expected to make his debut, was ruled out after the AIFF failed to complete FIFA clearance procedures in time—despite receiving the NOC from Football Australia.
This administrative lapse cast a shadow on the team’s preparation and raised fresh concerns about professional standards within Indian football.
In contrast, Hamza Choudhury delivered a particularly impressive first half, showcasing his Premier League pedigree with command in midfield. His headed goal-line clearance and a near-spectacular volley were among the few positives in a difficult evening.
Head coach Khalid Jamil had spoken before the match about a rebuilding phase and renewed commitment. But his starting XI told a different story, lacking the boldness needed for overhaul. Leaving out Apuia and several Mohun Bagan players was a notable decision, as was moving on from Sunil Chhetri—but sticking with a core that had already underperformed proved costly.
India’s defensive frailties were exposed again when a Bangladesh counterattack—originating from an Indian corner—saw Rakib Hossain glide past veteran Akash Mishra and set up Morsalin for the game’s only goal. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu hesitated for a split-second, allowing the youngster the opportunity to finish.
Match sharpness, or lack thereof, may be an excuse, but ultimately the responsibility lies with a system that continues to fail its players.
India came alive only in the second half when Jamil brought on young talents like Mohammed Sanan, whose flair and speed immediately troubled the Bangladeshi defence. Sanan’s creativity, alongside Brison Fernandes and Mahesh Singh, injected energy and optimism—raising questions about why the youth were not trusted from the start.
Despite a spirited late push, India could not find an equaliser.
The defeat, and the bottom-place finish, serve as a stark indictment of Indian football’s declining standards. From tactical conservatism on the pitch to administrative missteps off it, the outcome reflects a system that has failed to evolve.
Whatever the intentions of the players, coach or federation, the result tells the entire story: India ended last in a group they should have topped with ease—a new low that demands serious introspection, not excuses.
