Bangladesh defeated India 1-0 to secure their first AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Qualifiers Final Round Group C win at the National Stadium Dhaka on Tuesday.
With both sides already eliminated, the result moved Bangladesh to five points while India anchor the table on two.
Bangladesh found their footing first after a scrappy opening. A counter-attack in the 11th minute found Shekh Morsalin on the end of a Rakib Hossain pass, with the striker slipping the ball home from close range before defender Macarton Nickson and keeper Gurpreet Singh could react.
The hosts kept the pressure on, but their frontline failed to get their game together, with midfielder Hamza Choudhury doing better at the back when he prevented Lallianzuala Chhangte’s goalbound attempt from finding the target on the half hour mark.
Hamza’s 25-yard volley which flew past the left post closed a first half dominated by Bangladesh but one that was frequently interrupted by stoppages.
India took control after the break, Rahul Bheke’s header and Mahesh Singh’s strike from the edge of the area both going just wide within the span of five minutes.
Similar to Bangladesh in the closing stages of the first half, however, India’s offensive lineup failed to gel, with substitute Mohammed Sanan’s pace and positioning coming up short in front of goal.
Bangladesh will close their campaign against already qualified Singapore while India take on Hong Kong, China with both matches on March 31.
AFC Media
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