India Set to Face Bangladesh in Crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier Opener in Shillong

The Indian football team will begin their AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Round 3 campaign with a high-stakes clash against Bangladesh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Tuesday, March 25. With qualification firmly in their sights, the Blue Tigers will aim to assert dominance at home and get their campaign off to a flying start.

India, led by head coach Manolo Marquez, is targeting a strong start to the qualifiers and is expected to go all out for three points in their group opener. “Winning all our home matches is vital if we want to top the group and qualify convincingly,” Marquez has emphasized ahead of the match. The Blue Tigers, ranked significantly higher than their neighbours in the FIFA rankings, are eager to show their class with a clinical performance.

Despite being favourites, India is wary of the threat posed by Bangladesh. “They may be ranked below us, but we can’t take them lightly. Every game is a final in qualifiers like this,” Marquez added. India’s preparation has taken a minor hit with the absence of Brandon Fernandes due to injury, but the arrivals of Udanta Singh and Macarton Louis Jackson have bolstered the squad.

On the other hand, Bangladesh are approaching the contest with renewed optimism. The Bengal Tigers ended 2024 on a positive note and are banking on debutant Hamza Choudhury, the former England U-21 and current Sheffield United midfielder, to bring stability and flair to their midfield.

“This is a massive opportunity for us to make a statement,” said Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuyan. “Hamza’s arrival gives us a big boost in quality and belief.”

India’s recent 2-0 win over the Maldives, featuring a goal and assist from Liston Colaco, has lifted morale within the camp. Colaco’s current form makes him one of the key players to watch, while veteran Sunil Chhetri, with 95 international goals to his name, remains India’s chief goal-scoring threat.

Statistically, India has the upper hand in head-to-head meetings, with 16 wins to Bangladesh’s three. However, recent history suggests caution—India has won just once in their last five encounters with their South Asian rivals.

With both teams eager to begin their journey on the right foot, the stage is set for a gripping encounter. The match kicks off at 7 PM IST and will be broadcast live on Star Sports 3 and streamed on JioHotstar.