| India vs Bangladesh | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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India vs Bangladesh
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COMPETITION :
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Asia Cup Qualification
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| DATE: |
18-11-2025
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TIME:
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07.30 PM IST
06.00 PM UAE
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STADIUM
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Stadium |
India’s preparations for the Dhaka fixture received a boost with the inclusion of Australia-born forward Ryan Williams, who recently secured his Indian passport. The attacker has travelled with the squad, though his participation remains subject to an NOC from Football Australia, followed by mandatory FIFA and AFC clearances.
The upcoming clash marks the 30th meeting between India and Bangladesh, with India holding a 14–4 lead in victories. It also represents India’s first appearance on Bangladeshi soil in 22 years, dating back to the 2003 SAFF Gold Cup, where the hosts triumphed 2–1 at the very same venue.
“We are happy to be here, and it is our pleasure to be in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a good team, and it will be a good match,” head coach Khalid Jamil said on the eve of the encounter.
Youth at the forefront
Jamil has opted for a youthful squad, with as many as seven uncapped players handed an opportunity. Goalkeeper Sahil, one of the debut hopefuls, said: “It’s an important game for us tomorrow, and we’ve had a good time preparing with the team in the camp in Bengaluru.”
The team trained in Bengaluru from November 6 before travelling to Dhaka on Saturday, and has since held two sessions in the city. Newcomers such as Hrithik Tiwari, Pramveer, Lalremtluanga Fanai, Mohammed Sanan, and Bikash Yumnam are all candidates for their first senior minutes, while Brison Fernandes and Macarton Louis Nickson, each with one cap, underline Jamil’s shift toward fresh talent.
“I am happy because everyone is working very hard. The new players also know the importance of this game,” Jamil added.
Bangladesh enter the match after a 2-2 friendly draw against Nepal last week, where midfielder Hamza Choudhury found the net twice. Jamil, however, emphasised that India’s focus would remain collective, not tied to specific threats.
“Bangladesh has good players, and so do we. We are thinking about our opponents as a whole. It’s a very important game. We must think properly, stay calm, and aim for a positive result,” the Indian coach said.