Three Bangladesh players to watch out for in AFC Asian Cup qualifier clash against India

Both teams are out of the qualification race.

India are set to face off against Bangladesh in their next AFC Asian Cup qualifier clash on Tuesday, November 18. It’ll be the final away game for the Blue Tigers in the Asian Cup qualifiers, and they face a determined Bangladesh eager to topple them in the group.

Even though neither India nor Bangladesh have a chance of topping the group anymore, their upcoming one will be one for bragging rights. The Bengal Tigers will look to pull off an upset against India, piling even more misery onto them while gaining some momentum to close out a disappointing year.

Fortunately for them, there are quite a few impressive talents who can prove to be match-winners for Bangladesh against India. They have some notable players in the mix who can produce moments of brilliance to outwit the Indian players and inspire the hosts to a win. Here we look at the three Bangladesh players to watch out for in the upcoming clash against India.

3. Shamit Shome

Shamit Shome has evolved, becoming an important player for the Bangladesh national team since he set his foot in international football. The former Canada international has been a breath of fresh air for Bangladesh, using his energetic presence and tenacity to fit into multiple roles for them.

Shome is coming off a pretty good 2025 Canadian Premier League season, where his side, Cavalry FC, finished as the runners-up. The 28-year-old will have to command the midfield battle to close down the gap, stopping India from dictating the tempo of the game.

Shome will look to use his intensity to win possession back in crucial areas and also drive his side forward on the fast transitions. If the 28-year-old is at his best in terms of ball recoveries and passing, he can amp up Bangladesh’s counter-attacking threat and help them create major chances.

2. Rakib Hossain

Rakib Hossain has been a regular in the Bangladesh squad since making his debut in 2020, and he’s proven himself as a versatile player for them. The Bashundhara Kings’ forward can play in a variety of positions, which include both the wide areas and the centre-forward position.

He has scored six goals and provided three assists in 48 games for the Bengal Tigers and will be determined to increase the tally against India.

Hossain has to be smart with his forward movement, timing his runs perfectly in order to disrupt the Indian defensive line and cause gaps to open up. He will have to be physically strong to win the duels and drive his side into the danger zones, but he also has to be clinical in the final third. Hossain will have to be precise with his final passes and shots on goal to be able to elevate his side’s goal threat.

Also Read: Indian football team’s last five meetings against Bangladesh

1. Hamza Choudhury

Hamza Choudhury has actually had a lively start to his career as a Bangladesh national team player since making his debut in the 0-0 draw against India in March. The Leicester City midfielder has since made six appearances for Bangladesh, scoring six goals in that period. Choudhury recently scored twice in a draw against Nepal in preparation for the India clash and has a lot of momentum on his side going into the match.

Hamza will, of course, be relied upon to help his side out defensively, which means often dropping deep to help his centre-backs. However, he will also be tasked with being smart with his forward passes to unleash teammates on counter-attacks. Moreover, Hamza will also look to be a menace on set-pieces, getting to the end of them to try and surprise the India players.

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