All eyes were on Hamza Choudhury as the India and Bangladesh football teams prepared to face off in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier match on March 25, 2025, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong. For many football fans, this match often evokes the classic David versus Goliath imagery, given the FIFA rankings which place India at 126 and Bangladesh at 185. However, on the pitch, the reality is far more nuanced, with both teams showing signs of potential strength and resilience.
Choudhury, 27, a Leicester City academy product who has represented England at youth levels, decided to take up a Bangladesh passport in 2024. This move has captivated fans and players alike, with captain Jamal Bhuyan likening him to football legend Lionel Messi, emphasizing the impact he could have in elevating the competition for Bangladesh.
"You can’t compare Sunil Chhetri to Hamza. Sunil has done great things for India, but let’s be honest, Hamza is a Premier League player," said Bhuyan, reflecting the heightened expectations that come with Choudhury’s presence on the team. India’s coach Manolo Marquez also acknowledged the potential boost the midfielder could provide: "Hamza, obviously, is a good player who was playing in the Premier League. I think it’s good for not just Bangladesh but Asian football that such players are playing for the national team. I feel that the teammates will be very motivated to play with him.”
Despite the brighter prospects with Choudhury on the team, both nations face intense pressure to perform. The tension skyrocketed as the Indian team experienced a rocky path in the lead-up to this match, including a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Historically, India has struggled to secure comfortable victories against its neighbor, with two draws in the last three outings hinting at a narrowing gap in skill levels.
Adding to the competitive atmosphere, Bangladesh’s coach Javier Cabrera claimed that the influx of naturalized players like Choudhury could reshape the future of Bangladeshi football. Citing their recent training and preparations, Cabrera said, “We have not been training in the best of facilities, but we have been preparing very well. So, that's not in our focus anymore.” This mindset appears to be technology-driven, as the Bengal Tigers began training almost a month ahead of the game, focusing on acclimation to the Indian conditions and altitude.
Notably, Choudhury arrived in the spotlight at the Dhaka airport earlier in the week, where his entrance was met with excitement. His story serves as an inspiration; his mother highlighted the significance of his breakthrough at a time when few Asian players were pursuing professional contracts in Europe, stating that "less than one percent of academy players get a professional contract.”
On the pitch, India aims to capitalize on the experience of veteran players like Chhetri, who returned to the team aiming for his 96th international goal. Marquez emphasized the importance of scoring from open play, noting, “The return of Chhetri brings India’s only in-form striker back into the fold, but it still doesn’t solve the issues plaguing the national team.” In a friendly ahead of the qualifier, India scored three goals against the Maldives, but the loss of crucial player Brandon Fernandes due to an ankle injury added to their woes.
Marquez characterized the qualifiers as ‘six finals,’ stressing the necessity of maximizing points in this short competition of high stakes. His counterpart Cabrera, a Spanish national like Marquez, brings a sense of determined optimism. “We are very motivated. The team has been training and working hard for 24 days already, which is a long time, honestly,” Cabrera remarked, underlining the dedication his squad exhibited during preparations.
Additonally, the reception from national fans enhances anticipation. The match in Shillong marks a historic event as it will be the first competitive international men's match at the stadium, and with other Group A competitors, Singapore and Hong Kong, also facing off, the excitement is palpable.
As both teams align their strengths for the faceoff, they are cognizant that football often yields unpredictable outcomes. Defender Sandesh Jhingan noted, “Whenever India play Bangladesh, we expect a match full of high intensity, passion and adrenaline. If you’re well prepared, you can beat any team and, if not, any team can beat you. We go into every game with a positive attitude.”
And it’s that very unpredictability that fans cherish most. With the eyes of the footballing world on them, both India and Bangladesh are ready to give their all in a showdown that promises to fuel debates about regional supremacy over the coming years.
As the clock ticks down to kick-off at 7 PM IST, and with millions watching via live streams and telecasts, the stage is set for what could be a thrilling encounter that shapes the trajectory of both teams in Asian football.
