India crash to 0-1 defeat against Bangladesh in Asian Cup qualifiers

India’s disappointing run in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers continued as they suffered a 0–1 defeat to Bangladesh in their penultimate Group C match on Tuesday. Already out of contention for a spot in the continental tournament, the Blue Tigers endured another frustrating outing at the National Stadium, where Sheikh Morsalin netted the decisive goal in the 11th minute amid loud home support.

India nearly equalised in the 31st minute when Lallianzuala Chhangte found an open goal after Bangladeshi keeper Mitul Marma misjudged his position, but Hamza Choudhury made a crucial goal-line header to deny the visitors. Tensions also flared briefly in the first half, with players from both teams involved in a minor scuffle near the touchline before the referee restored order.

India’s qualification hopes had effectively ended earlier on October 14 after they squandered a 1–0 lead to lose 1–2 to Singapore in Margao. With this latest defeat, India remain winless and bottom of the four-team group, collecting only two points from five matches, including three losses and two draws.


Bangladesh, registering their first win in five outings, stay third with five points. The reverse fixture between the two sides had ended in a goalless draw on March 25 in Shillong. This match also marked India’s first appearance on Bangladeshi soil in 22 years, since their 2–1 loss in the 2003 SAFF Gold Cup at the same venue.

India, ranked 136th in the FIFA standings, will play Hong Kong at home on March 31, 2026, in their final qualifier.