Morsalin Ends a 22-Year Wait as Bangladesh Erupts After Stunning Strike

The final whistle from the Filipino referee brought the moment everyone had waited for. Bangladesh had beaten India 1-0 in the return leg of the Asian Cup qualifiers, ending a 22-year drought. Right there at the same National Stadium where Matiur Munna's golden goal had crushed India in the 2003 SAFF semi-final. Two decades had passed since then. In between, 10 matches: six draws, four defeats. India's dominance had seemed unbreakable. But tonight, the long wait ended, gifting the nation a night of pure celebration.

The first leg in Shillong on 25 March had ended goalless. That day marked Hamza Choudhury's debut in Bangladesh colours. A goal could have sealed victory then, but it didn't happen. Tonight it did — at home, before a roaring gallery. After the match, teammates hoisted Hamza on their shoulders.

Some collapsed on the pitch in joy. Others rushed from the dugout to embrace the heroes. India's players hurried off the field — that said it all. In five matches of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, this was Bangladesh's first win: two draws and one victory for five points, pushing them into third place in the group. India, with two draws in five games, slumped to the bottom. Beating India meant more than three points; it was a massive mental boost.

India played better football overall despite the loss. From the start, their aim was to prevent Bangladesh from settling in — and they did. They created more attacks but couldn't convert. Bangladesh, after scoring, focused almost entirely on defence for the remaining time.

Apart from that one goal, attacks were sporadic, mostly on counters. But they broke the curse of failing to hold leads. Defending for nearly 80 minutes brought the night's smile. The 11th-minute counter goal was a perfect clincher. Rakib Hossain raced down the left, delivered a pinpoint pass, and that spelled doom for India. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu rushed out but hesitated. Seizing the moment, Shekh Morsalin placed a composed right-footed finish into the net. Arguably Rakib's best pass of his career. He shone not just in attack but in defence too, once clearing danger with a superb header.

Central defender Tariq Kazi left the pitch injured in the 27th minute, replaced by Shakil Ahad. With Topu and Shakil, Hamza Choudhury anchored the backline. In the 31st minute, Hamza saved the day from certain defeat.

A Bangladesh defensive lapse left the ball with Lallianzuala Chhangte. The Mumbai City winger lofted it towards an empty goal from outside the box. Goalkeeper Mitul was out of position. Suddenly, Hamza appeared to head it clear. The press box joked: "What else can Hamza do? Stand under the post!" In the 44th minute, Hamza unleashed a stunning left-footed volley from outside the box. It grazed the post and went wide. The stadium fell silent. Even Hamza seemed stunned.

Tension gripped the entire match. Arguments flared between Bangladesh defender Topu Barman and India's midfielder Nikhil Prabhu, involving players from both sides. Pressure, desire to break through — it all turned the South Asian rivals' clash into a thrilling football battle.

Bangladesh made two changes to the lineup: Shamit Shome and Shekh Morsalin returned, the latter after injury. Shamit had come on as sub against Nepal in the FIFA friendly on 13 November; Morsalin had missed that game. To accommodate them, captain Jamal Bhuiyan and junior Sohel Rana sat out.

Morsalin stole the spotlight with his brilliant goal. Coach was forced to sub him off in the 70th minute amid a festive atmosphere. By 8:00 pm, the National Stadium was packed. Thousands waited outside. The galleries erupted in frenzy. Bangladesh-India matches always mean emotion, excitement — and tonight delivered both, plus the joy of beating India after 22 years.

Bangladesh squad: Mitul Marma, Topu Barman, Tariq Kazi (Shakil Ahad), Zayyan Ahmed (Taj Uddin), Saad Uddin, Hamza Choudhury, Sohel Rana, Shamit Shome, Shekh Morsalin (Emon), Rakib Hossain, Faisal Ahmed Fahim.