Bangladesh, India face off in battle of pride
With both sides already eliminated from the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, hosts Bangladesh and India are set to meet in what has become a battle of pride rather than a dead-rubber at the National Stadium in Dhaka today. The match kicks off at 8:00 pm.
India were initially tipped to top Group C ahead of Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangladesh, who had hoped their expatriate recruits -- Hamza Choudhury, Shamit Shome and others -- would boost their chances of reaching the finals for the first time since their debut in 1980. Bangladesh started brightly with a goalless draw against the group favourites, but Javier Cabrera's men faltered thereafter, following a trajectory similar to India's, leaving both teams eliminated with two matches to spare.
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Having squandered their opportunity to qualify, Bangladesh are now chasing a morale-boosting win over their higher-ranked neighbours, who have lost only three of 32 encounters against Bangladesh. Bangladesh's last victory over India came 22 years ago, during the 2003 SAFF Championship in Dhaka, following earlier wins at the 1991 and 1999 SAF Games. Since 2003, the sides have met 10 times, with India winning four and the remaining six ending in draws—five of those in their last six meetings.
Facing India at home for the first time in 16 years, the men in red and green are determined to claim all three points in this emotionally charged contest.
"There is a lot of emotion in this match," Cabrera said at the pre-match press conference. "It feels like a derby. We must manage those emotions and take our chance to win. We are stronger than ever and have to make it count."
Bangladesh have shown promise in recent home outings but twice conceded late goals, including in last Thursday's friendly against Nepal.
"That can't happen tomorrow if we want three points," Cabrera warned. "We handled similar situations well against Hong Kong away, but not against Nepal. We must learn from that."
India coach Khalid Jamil also expects a demanding night, especially with a full home crowd behind Bangladesh.
"There is pressure, of course, but the players must take responsibility and work hard for a positive result," said the former Indian international, who oversaw their final training session on Monday morning.
"Bangladesh are a very good team with quality players. I've watched them closely. They have improved a lot since we last met in March."
Highlights
FIFA Ranking: India-136, Bangladesh-183
Last meeting: 25, March, 20225
Bangladesh's last home match against India: 11 December, 2009
Last win over India: 18 January, 2003
Last five meetings: Four draws, one India win
Bangladesh in 2025: Played 7, won 1, lost 3, drawn 4
India in 2025: Played 10, won 2, lost 3, drawn 5
Overall: Played 32, India won 16, Bangladesh won 3, drawn 16
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