India vs Bangladesh: A High-Stakes AFC Asian Cup Qualifier

India is set to face Bangladesh in their opening match of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers on March 25, as reported by AIFF. This encounter signifies the last chance for both teams to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, with hopes riding on two key players in regional football—Sunil Chhetri and Hamza Choudhury. The match is slated to begin at 7 PM local time, and we’ll be providing all the pre-game excitement leading up to what promises to be an exhilarating showdown. Stay tuned here with our live blog for all the action.

For India, Sunil Chhetri’s return is a beacon of hope. After coming out of retirement, Chhetri netted his 95th international goal last week in a match against the Maldives. His presence has rejuvenated the team’s spirit under head coach Manolo Marquez, who celebrated his first victory with India in a convincing 3-0 win on home turf in Shillong. This dominant performance marked a refreshing change in how the team has been playing.

As for Bangladesh, all eyes are on potential debutant Hamza Choudhury. Having made his mark in the English Premier League and the FA Cup, and currently eyeing promotion from the Championship, Choudhury brings a level of talent to South Asia that is seldom seen. His arrival alone has electrified the nation, and a victory against neighboring India would only elevate his status to legendary.

Bangladesh’s captain, Jamal Bhuyan, known for his memorable remarks during pre-match press conferences, has referred to Hamza as their “Messi.” In a recent statement, he praised Chhetri, saying, “Sunil [Chhetri] is a very good player. He has done a tremendous job for his country. But let’s be honest: Hamza is a Premier League player.”

On the field, there’s a strong possibility that Hamza will adopt a more aggressive attacking position, making him a crucial factor in the match. However, India plans to counter this by relying on the strength of their cohesive team dynamics to offset the influence of any individual star.