AFC Asian Cup 2025 Qualification: India vs Bangladesh Football Match - Player List, Preview, and Key Details
The AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers are heating up, and one of the most anticipated clashes in the third round is the India vs Bangladesh football match. Scheduled for March 25, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong, this Group C encounter promises to be a thrilling battle between two South Asian rivals. With India coming off a morale-boosting 3-0 win over Maldives and Bangladesh bolstered by the inclusion of Premier League-experienced Hamza Choudhury, fans are eager to see how this match unfolds. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the player lists, recent results, head-to-head records, and all the essential details you need to know about this exciting fixture.
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Match Overview: India vs Bangladesh AFC Asian Cup Qualifier
- Date: March 25, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong, Meghalaya
- Competition: AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers, Third Round, Group C
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar (English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam)
- TV Telecast: Star Sports 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam), Asianet Plus (Malayalam)
The third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers pits 24 teams into six groups of four, with only the group winners securing a spot in the tournament hosted by Saudi Arabia. India, drawn in Group C alongside Bangladesh, Hong Kong China, and Singapore, will face each opponent in a home-and-away format until March 2026. This opening match against Bangladesh is crucial for the Blue Tigers, who aim to qualify for their third consecutive Asian Cup—a historic feat for Indian football.
India vs Bangladesh: Recent Form and Context
India’s Recent Performance
India enters this qualifier on a high note after defeating Maldives 3-0 in an international friendly on March 19, 2025, at the same venue. This victory marked their first win in 489 days and the first under new head coach Manolo Márquez. The return of legendary striker Sunil Chhetri, who reversed his retirement decision, added firepower to the squad. Chhetri scored his 95th international goal in the Maldives match, signaling his intent to lead India to another Asian Cup appearance.
However, the win came at a cost. Midfielder Brandon Fernandes suffered an injury and has been ruled out of the Bangladesh clash, with Udanta Singh stepping in as his replacement. Despite this setback, India’s confidence is buoyed by their historical dominance over Bangladesh and a solid defensive display against Maldives.
Bangladesh’s Recent Performance
Bangladesh, ranked lower than India in the FIFA standings, has struggled for consistency in recent years. Their last international outing was a 2-1 victory over Maldives in November 2024, but their FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers campaign was dismal, earning just one point in six matches. The Bengal Tigers are now banking on a fresh start in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, with the addition of Hamza Choudhury—a midfielder with Premier League experience from Leicester City and currently on loan at Sheffield United—raising hopes of an upset.
India vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry between India and Bangladesh spans 28 matches, with India holding a clear edge:
- Total Matches: 28
- India Wins: 14
- Bangladesh Wins: 4
- Draws: 10
Bangladesh’s last victory over India came in the 2003 SAFF Championship semi-final, a 2-1 win that remains their only competitive triumph against the Blue Tigers in recent decades. The most recent encounter, in the 2021 SAFF Championship, ended in a 1-1 draw. India’s superior record and current form make them favorites, but Bangladesh’s new-look squad could pose a challenge.
India Squad and Player List for AFC Asian Cup Qualifier vs Bangladesh
Head coach Manolo Márquez has assembled a 26-man squad for the qualifiers, blending experience with emerging talent. Here’s the likely lineup and key players to watch:
Probable Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith
- Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Roshan Singh Naorem
- Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Apuia, Udanta Singh, Liston Colaco
- Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (C), Irfan Yadwad
Full Squad
- Goalkeepers: Vishal Kaith, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh
- Defenders: Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose, Roshan Singh Naorem, Asish Rai, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta
- Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Apuia, Jeakson Singh, Udanta Singh, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Brison Fernandes, Macarton Nickson (new call-up)
- Forwards: Sunil Chhetri (C), Irfan Yadwad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Farukh Choudhary, Manvir Singh
Key Players to Watch
- Sunil Chhetri: The 40-year-old captain remains India’s talisman, with 95 international goals. His experience and goal-scoring prowess will be critical.
- Sandesh Jhingan: The defensive rock will anchor India’s backline against Bangladesh’s attacking threats.
- Udanta Singh: Replacing the injured Brandon Fernandes, the FC Goa winger brings pace and creativity, with three goals and three assists in the ISL this season.
- Liston Colaco: Fresh off a goal against Maldives, the young forward is emerging as a key attacking option.
Injury Updates
- Brandon Fernandes: Ruled out due to an injury sustained against Maldives.
- Ashish Rai, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh: Also sidelined from the original squad, with Udanta Singh and Macarton Nickson called up as replacements.
Bangladesh Squad and Player List for AFC Asian Cup Qualifier vs India
Bangladesh’s squad features a mix of domestic talent and overseas players, with Hamza Choudhury’s inclusion stealing the spotlight. Here’s the probable lineup and key details:
Probable Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Mitul Marma
- Defenders: Sujan Hossain, Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh
- Midfielders: Hamza Choudhury, Sohel Rana, Esha Faisal, Jamal Bhuyan (C)
- Forwards: Rakib Hossain, Shahriar Emon
Full Squad
- Goalkeepers: Mitul Marma, Anisur Rahman, Pappu Hossain
- Defenders: Sujan Hossain, Tariq Kazi, Topu Barman, Bishwanath Ghosh, Mehedi Hasan, Shakil Hossain
- Midfielders: Hamza Choudhury, Sohel Rana, Esha Faisal, Jamal Bhuyan (C), Syed Shah Kazem Kirmani, Mojibur Rahman Jony, Ridoy
- Forwards: Rakib Hossain, Shahriar Emon, Al-Amin, Jafar Iqbal, Sheikh Morsalin
Key Players to Watch
- Hamza Choudhury: The Sheffield United midfielder, with FA Cup and Community Shield titles from Leicester City, brings elite experience. His debut could be a game-changer.
- Rakib Hossain: A standout in the Bangladesh Premier League, he’s joint-top scorer and assist provider among domestic players.
- Jamal Bhuyan: The captain’s leadership and midfield control will be vital against India’s attack.
- Al-Amin: The 20-year-old striker, with seven goals in 10 domestic games, adds youthful energy upfront.
Injury Updates
- No major injuries reported, though Fahamedul Islam, initially called up, was omitted for further integration into the squad.
Tactical Preview: How Will the Match Unfold?
India’s Approach
Under Manolo Márquez, India is likely to adopt a balanced 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on possession and quick transitions. Sunil Chhetri will lead the line, supported by wingers Liston Colaco and Udanta Singh. The midfield duo of Suresh Singh Wangjam and Apuia will aim to disrupt Bangladesh’s rhythm, while the backline, led by Sandesh Jhingan, will look to neutralize Hamza Choudhury’s influence.
Bangladesh’s Approach
Bangladesh may opt for a 4-3-3 setup, leveraging Choudhury’s defensive midfield skills to shield the backline and launch counterattacks. Rakib Hossain and Al-Amin will be key in exploiting spaces behind India’s defense, with captain Jamal Bhuyan orchestrating play. Their strategy will likely hinge on staying compact and capitalizing on set-pieces.
Key Battles to Watch
- Sunil Chhetri vs Topu Barman: Chhetri’s movement and finishing will test Bangladesh’s center-back.
- Hamza Choudhury vs Apuia: A midfield duel that could dictate the game’s tempo.
- Liston Colaco vs Bishwanath Ghosh: Colaco’s pace against Ghosh’s defensive resilience will be intriguing.
Where to Watch India vs Bangladesh AFC Asian Cup Qualifier
- Live Streaming: Available on the JioHotstar app and website in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Malayalam.
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports 3 (English, Hindi, Bengali, Malayalam) and Asianet Plus (Malayalam).
- Kickoff Time: 7:00 PM IST on March 25, 2025.
Predictions and Expectations
India, as the highest-ranked team in Group C, is favored to win this opening fixture. Their recent form, home advantage, and historical edge give them a slight upper hand. However, Bangladesh’s bolstered squad, led by Hamza Choudhury, could make this a closer contest than expected. A 2-1 victory for India seems plausible, with Chhetri likely to find the net.
Why This Match Matters
For India, a strong start is essential to build momentum in a competitive group. Qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 would mark a historic third consecutive appearance, signaling steady progress under Márquez. For Bangladesh, this is a chance to kickstart a footballing renaissance and challenge their regional rivals. With both teams desperate for goals—neither has averaged a goal per game since the World Cup qualifiers—this match could set the tone for their campaigns.
Conclusion
The India vs Bangladesh AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier on March 25, 2025, is more than just a football match—it’s a clash of ambition, history, and emerging talent. With Sunil Chhetri leading India and Hamza Choudhury debuting for Bangladesh, fans are in for a treat. Stay tuned to JioHotstar or Star Sports for live action, and don’t miss this pivotal Group C showdown at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong.