Key player battles in India vs Bangladesh in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers clash

The Blue Tigers are out of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Indian football team will face Bangladesh in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers match on Tuesday. This will be another opportunity for the Blue Tigers to register their first win in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. India, following their fourth straight defeat in the qualifiers, are out of the race to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.

India‘s elimination from the qualifiers means there will be no competitive football for India for the next two years. This is an opportunity for the management to start afresh and revamp the core of the team to prepare it for future challenges. Coach Khalid Jamil has called up multiple young faces, signalling the beginning of the rebuilding process.

India, with young faces, will look to start this journey of revival on a positive note. In this article, we will look at some of the key player battles that might unfold on Tuesday.

Rahim Ali vs Topu Barman

With Sunil Chhetri hanging up his boots, the responsibility is now on the likes of Rahim Ali to lead the frontline. His performance in the national colours has not been groundbreaking, but his goal against Singapore might result in another start for him in the striker’s role against Bangladesh.

If Rahim starts as the target man, he will be up against Bangladesh’s veteran centre-back Topu Barman. The 30-year-old centre back has been the mainstay of Bangladesh’s back line. With 65 appearances in international football, he has a wealth of experience.

This player battle can define the course of the game, testing India’s attacking capabilities. The Indian fans would want Rahim Ali to come up trumps, as without registering goals on the score sheet, three points would not become a reality.

Also Read: “We need to be prepared mentally and physically”, India captain Gupreet Singh Sandhu warns of complacency ahead of Bangladesh clash

Hamza Choudhury vs Mahesh Singh Naorem

The 23-member Indian squad lacks a typical No.10, indicating that Khalid Jamil might again pick Mahesh in that role. In that case, Mahesh will be involved in a player battle that will grab all the eyeballs. He will be going toe-to-toe with Hamza Choudhury.

The Leicester City FC midfielder has been in the headlines after joining the Bangladesh national team. He plays in the defensive midfield, but it has not limited his impact on the score sheet. Hamza has scored four goals in six international appearances for Bangladesh.

Hamza Choudhury’s presence in the midfield is a decisive factor for Bangladesh’s chances against India. Mahesh will have to find creative solutions to neutralize Hamza’s influence at the centre of the park.

Sandesh Jhingan vs Rakib Hossain

Another player battle that involves a centre back. Sandesh Jhingan has been one of the most consistent Indian players this year. The FC Goa skipper has been a rock at the back for the Blue Tigers. He will be back in action after a high-octane AFC Champions League clash against Al-Nassr.

For Bangladesh to score, they will have to shatter the Indian defense guarded by Jhingan. Arguably, their best bet to do this job is Rakib Hossain. The 26-year-old predominantly plays on the right wing, but played in a central role against Nepal in a recent friendly. He might again start in that role, which will see him taking on Sandesh.

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