Bangladesh’s recent performances against India and other stronger teams, combined with the influx of overseas-based footballers over the past year, have raised public expectations despite the team’s modest global ranking.

A violent dispute during a football match near Shri Dharma Shastha Temple in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram, ended in tragedy when 19-year-old Alan was fatally stabbed.

India suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bangladesh in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at Dhaka National Stadium, with Shekh Morsalin scoring the only goal. Fans slammed the Indian team on social media after their first loss to Bangladesh in 22 years and failure to register a win in five matches.

Pintoo's name is stitched into the fabric of Bangladesh's sporting history. As captain of the Swadhin Bangla Team in 1971, he led a side that travelled across India using football as a medium to raise funds, awareness and hope during the Liberation War.

In a major setback for Indian football, the Blue Tigers suffered their first defeat to Bangladesh in 22 years, going down 0-1 in an inconsequential Group C clash of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the packed National Stadium here on Tuesday.