Though both Bangladesh and India have already been eliminated from the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, Tuesday’s match in Dhaka promises to deliver far more than points. 
With South Asian rivalry, national pride, and a desire to end the campaign on a high, the fixture has become one of the most eagerly anticipated encounters in recent years.
India returned to Bangladesh after seven years, arriving on Saturday with Australia-based winger Ryan Williams included in their squad. The Blue Tigers held their first closed-door training session on Sunday at the APBN Playground in Uttara.
Bangladesh are equally motivated. Midfielder Shamit Shome said on Saturday, “Bangladesh–India is a massive rivalry. You don’t need extra motivation for this match. Even when I signed for Bangladesh, the first thing I heard at the hotel was to be ready for the India game.” India’s veterans are also preparing mentally for the challenge. Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu remarked, “It’s always a fierce game. It might be scrappy, it might be tough, but we need to be mentally and physically ready.” 
Defender Sandesh Jhingan added, “If we stick to our system and play to our potential, the result will follow.”
Both players have experience playing in Bangladesh at youth or club level and recall the pas-sionate crowds. 
Sandhu noted, “It has never been easy here. Bangladesh have developed a lot, and their love for football has only grown.”
Bangladesh trained twice on Sunday and will have their final session on Monday at the National Stadium—set to host a battle charged with history, pride, and regional rivalry, even if the points no longer matter.