Hamza-spurred Bangladesh vie to conquer India
Even though there is a big gulf in ranking as well as performances between Bangladesh and India, the matches involving the two neighbours have over the years produced https://www.effectiveratecpm.com/udny4xrwc?key=3e36c147d609fd243f1fa2933d52ee4b thrilling contests. Viewed only statistically, India are clear favourites going into today's AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers fixture against Bangladesh in Shillong, with a 59-position gap in FIFA rankings and having enjoyed a 13-2 win record out of 31 contests between the two nations. However, the recent results have been quite close, with four of the last five contests producing draws, with India winning the other one 2-0. The inclusion of Hamza Choudhury will definitely bolster Bangladesh's confidence as well as their performance on the pitch, but India, too, have their own talisman in the form of Sunil Chhetri. The 40-year-old Bengaluru FC forward, who returned from retirement earlier this month, has been a thorn in Bangladesh's side, scoring five out of India's six most recent goals against the men in red and green. Preparation-wise, the two teams are at the opposite extremes. While Chhteri's return helped India end a long winless run in international football in a 3-0 win against Maldives last week, Bangladesh did not play any practice match, except for one against an academy side, during their 12-day preparation camp in Saudi Arabia. The results from 2024 are not too positive either following an uptick in results in the previous year. But the Bangladesh team and their fans are hoping Hamza's inclusion will start a new resurgence in football, starting with a positive result in Shillong.
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