Bangladesh and India may already be out of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, but Tuesday night’s clash in Dhaka carries the heat of a final. The rivalry, the pride, and the 22-year wait for a win have turned the atmosphere electric ahead of the 8 PM kickoff at the National Stadium.

Speaking at Monday’s pre-match press conference, Bangladesh captain Jamal Bhuiyan admitted the magnitude of the showdown, calling it an emotional, high-voltage battle that could define the national team’s year-end momentum. “This is a very emotional match, a high-voltage match,” Jamal said. 

“After this game, the national team has a long break. Ending the year with a win will be huge—not just for us but for our supporters and even for you. For me, this match is emotional, but we also need to use our brains.”

Jamal didn’t hesitate to describe the chaos that typically erupts whenever Bangladesh meets India. “There will be lots of free kicks, yellow cards, even swearing—we know that. But I’ll take it as a normal match. Still, I know exactly what this game means.”

He also praised his on-field chemistry with Hamza Choudhury, Bangladesh’s standout performer of the year with four goals in six matches—two of them assisted by Jamal. “Hamza and I are both foreign-born. Our understanding is excellent. If he has any problem, he texts or calls me. If I have any football questions, I ask him. This understanding started off the field. I’m lucky to have assisted him—one from a corner, one for that bicycle kick. That bicycle goal is one of the best I’ve seen in Bangladesh colours, definitely number one for me.”

Bangladesh’s last win over India came back in 2003, in the SAFF Championship semifinal in Dhaka—a memory now 22 years old. But Jamal believes this team can finally break the streak. “We are currently in the strongest squad Bangladesh has ever had. So yes, we absolutely have a big chance.”