Will Bangladesh Finally End Their Long Wait for Victory Against India?

Bangladesh last celebrated a win against India back in 2003. In the semi-final of the SAFF Championship, the match ended 1–1 in normal time before Motiur Munna’s golden goal delivered a dramatic victory. Twenty-three years have passed since that memorable night, and despite meeting India ten times in the intervening period, Bangladesh have been unable to secure another win. Six of those encounters finished as draws, while Bangladesh lost four. Earlier this year in March, even with Hamza Choudhury making his much-anticipated debut, Bangladesh could only manage a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.

Tonight, however, captain Jamal Bhuiyan and his team are determined to end the long drought. Head coach Javier Cabrera is equally hopeful of signing off in style on home soil, with his contract set to run only until next March. The high-stakes clash kicks off at 8 pm at the Dhaka National Stadium, and even before stepping onto the pitch, India’s coach Khalid Jamil admitted he can feel the pressure.

India raised eyebrows by opting for a 9 am training session, rather than practising under the floodlights as they usually do before night matches. Jamil explained that it is simply their standard routine. The most notable absentee from India’s squad is Sunil Chhetri, whose decisive goals have frustrated Bangladesh for many years. Asked about Chhetri’s absence, Jamil gave a brief response: “He has retired.”

Despite both nations already being eliminated from Asian Cup qualification, Bangladeshi supporters have shown remarkable enthusiasm—online tickets sold out within six minutes. Jamil knows that playing away is always a challenge and admitted that the pressure is real. Bangladesh, meanwhile, look increasingly confident, buoyed by Hamza Choudhury’s recent form, including four goals in six appearances.

Since 1978, the two sides have met 32 times: India have won 16, Bangladesh two, while 14 have ended level. Cabrera describes the rivalry as a true derby—emotion-filled, intense and deeply meaningful. Yet he insists that emotional control will be crucial. “We are stronger than ever, and we believe we can take all three points,” he said. “It is time to seize our chance.”