India is set to compete against Bangladesh for the 29th time in international football on March 25. Historically, India has dominated with 14 wins, while Bangladesh’s last victory was in 2003. Defender Sandesh Jhingan emphasizes the importance of not underestimating the opponents despite the rankings. Both teams are vying for qualification in the Asian Cup, adding weight to this encounter.

On March 25, India will clash with Bangladesh for the 29th time in international football. This ongoing rivalry has been historically dominated by India, who has triumphed 14 times, with only four losses and ten draws. Dramatic encounters have marked their recent matches, highlighting significant moments such as Adil Khan’s decisive header in the 2019 match and Sunil Chhetri’s late free-kick in 2013.

Their last senior meeting occurred during the 2021 SAFF Championship, resulting in a 1-1 draw, with Chhetri scoring once more. Chhetri has been prolific against Bangladesh, netting six goals in their last seven encounters. Interestingly, India’s last loss to Bangladesh dates back to 2003 during the SAFF Championship semi-final in Dhaka. The Blue Tigers have maintained an unbeaten record at home against their rivals.

Defender Sandesh Jhingan expressed confidence ahead of their upcoming match, acknowledging the intensity that characterizes games against Bangladesh. Jhingan stated, “Whenever we face Bangladesh, we always know that it’s going to be a game with a lot of passion and high intensity.” He recalled the recent tight encounters with their neighbors in both the Asian Games and World Cup Qualifiers.

Despite Bangladesh ranking 185th—59 spots below India—Jhingan cautioned that they should not underestimate their opponents. “I expect them to be at their best and you cannot take any game easily…” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of performing at full potential in the Qualifiers.

As India aspires to secure qualification for the Asian Cup for the third consecutive time, Bangladesh’s aspiration remains to qualify for only their second time since 1980. The competition is fierce with Singapore and Hong Kong also participating in Group C.

Bangladesh’s recent performance in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers was disappointing, finishing last in Group I without a victory. However, they managed a mix of results in friendlies against Bhutan and the Maldives, signaling potential for improvement. Bangladesh’s head coach, Javier Cabrera, brings experience as he has been at the helm since 2022 and has prior connections to Indian football.

Highlighted in Bangladesh’s lineup is midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who switched allegiance after receiving his Bangladeshi passport. The squad also features notable players such as Sohel Rana, Topu Barman, and young talents like Shekh Morsalin. Notably, Bashundhara Kings significantly represents the squad with eleven players from the club, showcasing their dominance in Bangladesh’s football scene.

In conclusion, the upcoming match between India and Bangladesh not only showcases a historical rivalry but also highlights the significance of qualification for the Asian Cup. With India’s strong track record overshadowing Bangladesh’s struggles, the anticipation remains high. Both teams must bring their best efforts as they aim for successful outcomes and valuable points in the Qualifiers, making this encounter a crucial fixture in the football calendar.

Original Source: www.the-aiff.com

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