India vs. Bangladesh: AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Preview

India and Bangladesh are set to face off in their opening match of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers on March 25 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. This is a crucial game for both teams as they aim to start their qualification campaign on a strong note.

One of the key battles to watch will be Jamal Bhuyan and Hamza Choudhury controlling Bangladesh’s midfield against Sunil Chhetri and Liston Colaco leading India’s attacking charge. While India holds a historical edge over Bangladesh, football has often shown that past records do not always guarantee future results.

Head-to-Head Record

India and Bangladesh have played each other 31 times in international football. India has a dominant record with 16 wins, while Bangladesh has managed just three victories. The remaining 12 matches have ended in draws. Despite India’s superiority in past encounters, recent meetings have been closely contested.

The last time these two teams faced each other at the senior level was in the 2021 SAFF Championship, where the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Sunil Chhetri scored for India in that match. Bangladesh’s last win against India came over two decades ago in 2003 during the SAFF Championship semi-final. Notably, India has never lost to Bangladesh on home soil.

Current Form and FIFA Rankings

India is ranked 126th in the FIFA rankings, significantly ahead of Bangladesh, which sits at 185th. However, rankings alone do not always tell the full story. Bangladesh has shown signs of improvement in recent months, winning three of their last four games, including matches against Bhutan and the Maldives.

On the other hand, India enters this match after a convincing 3-0 win over the Maldives in a friendly. Under the guidance of Spanish coach Manolo Márquez, the Blue Tigers are looking to build a solid foundation for the qualifiers.

Team News and Key Players

India

India will be without midfielder Brandon Fernandes due to injury. However, Udanta Singh and Macarton Louis Jackson have been called up to strengthen the squad.

Captain Sunil Chhetri remains the biggest threat in attack. He has scored six of India’s last seven goals against Bangladesh and will look to add to his tally. Another key player is Liston Colaco, who is in excellent form after scoring and assisting in India’s last match. His pace and dribbling ability on the left flank will be crucial.

At the back, Sandesh Jhingan will lead the defense, aiming for another clean sheet against Bangladesh, just as he did in the 2021 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Vishal Kaith (GK), Rahul Bheke, Valpuia, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Lalengmawia Ralte, Ayush Chhetri, Farukh Choudhary, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Liston Colaco, Sunil Chhetri.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh will have a full-strength squad for this game. Their biggest addition is Hamza Choudhury, a former England U-21 player who recently switched allegiance to Bangladesh. His presence in midfield adds experience and energy to the team.

Captain Jamal Bhuyan, the most capped player in Bangladesh’s history, will be another key figure. He will look to control the midfield alongside Choudhury. In defense, Topu Barman, the highest-scoring player in the squad with six international goals, will be tasked with stopping India’s attack.

Probable Starting XI (4-3-3):
Mitul Marma (GK), Md Saad Uddin, Shakil Hossain, Topu Barman, Isa Faysal, Hamza Choudhury, Mohammad Ridoy, Jamal Bhuyan, Al-Amin, Rakib Hossain, Shahriar Emon.

Tactical Battle and Key Factors

1. India’s Attacking Play
   India is expected to dominate possession and attack through the wings, with Liston Colaco and Naorem Mahesh Singh providing width. Sunil Chhetri’s movement inside the box will be key to unlocking Bangladesh’s defense.

2. Bangladesh’s Defensive Organization
   Bangladesh will likely sit deep and defend in numbers, aiming to frustrate India. Their counter-attacks, led by Rakib Hossain, could pose a threat if India commits too many players forward.

3. Midfield Battle
   The presence of Hamza Choudhury makes Bangladesh’s midfield more competitive. India’s Lalengmawia Ralte and Ayush Chhetri must control possession and ensure smooth transitions from defense to attack.

4. Set-Pieces
   Both teams will see set-pieces as an opportunity. India’s height advantage, with Jhingan and Valpuia, could trouble Bangladesh’s defenders. Meanwhile, Topu Barman is a threat for Bangladesh in dead-ball situations.

Prediction

India has a stronger squad and the advantage of playing at home, making them the favorites to win. However, Bangladesh has shown in past matches that it can be resilient and difficult to break down. If India plays with intensity and converts its chances, it could secure a comfortable win. However, if Bangladesh defends well and capitalizes on counterattacks, it might cause an upset.

Final Verdict: India 1-0 Bangladesh.