BAN vs IND: Hamza-Chhetri duel in focus

Bangladesh and India are set to face each other in the first match of Group C in the third round of the AFC Qualifiers. The match between the two teams will begin at 7:30 PM on March 25 in Shillong. The excitement and tension surrounding this match have been intense in both countries. The enthusiasm for football has multiplied with the inclusion of English Premier League player Dewan Hamza Chowdhury in the Bangladesh squad. Players like Jamal and Rakib are dreaming of a victory against India, centred around Hamza. This match will mark Hamza's debut for the Bangladesh national team, and the squad aims to make it a memorable winning start for him. On the other hand, India's Sunil Chhetri has come out of retirement to rejoin the team, drawing extra attention. However, questions remain about how much impact the ageing forward can still make.

India has always been stronger in terms of skill and strength, but with the addition of Hamza Chowdhury, Bangladesh is now being talked about as a more competitive side. However, in the FIFA rankings, Bangladesh (185th) is at the bottom of Group C, while India leads (126th). Beyond rankings, India also has a dominant past record—Bangladesh hasn’t beaten India in the last 25 years. Since October 1999, the two teams have played 14 matches, with India winning six and the rest ending in draws. Overall, Bangladesh has only two wins in 31 matches against India, with 13 draws and 16 losses.

India has also been in better form recently, securing a win after 15 months under new Spanish coach Manolo Márquez. The match where India will face Bangladesh is at Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where Sunil Chhetri and his team defeated the Maldives 3-0 in a friendly match. This victory will give them an extra boost of motivation ahead of the match against Bangladesh. Bangladesh must prove their mettle to defeat India.

While the hosts have had a long training camp in Shillong, Bangladesh has been preparing in Saudi Arabia under similar conditions. The big question is how well Jamal Bhuiyan’s team adapts, especially English Premier League player Hamza Chowdhury—whether he can adjust to the conditions and translate his European experience into performance.

Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera is strategizing to deploy defensive midfielder Hamza in central midfield, though there's also talk of using him in an advanced role. While Hamza's inclusion strengthens Bangladesh's midfield, India is also planning accordingly by fielding their best midfielders. However, India faces some pressure due to Brandon Fernandes' injury, with Udanta Singh being recalled as his replacement. Indian coach has also called up Northeast United's defensive midfielder Markatan Louis Nixon for the first time. Meanwhile, Ayush Chhetri could silently deliver a stellar performance.

Bangladesh's defense will face their toughest challenge - containing the terrifying Sunil Chhetri. The Indian captain has repeatedly dismantled Bangladesh's backline in past encounters. Center-backs Tariq Kazi and Tapu Barman must rise to the occasion to neutralize his threat. Despite turning 40, Chhetri proved he's still lethal by scoring in his comeback match against Maldives after reversing his retirement - a clear warning that he remains as dangerous as ever.

On the flip side, Bangladesh's attack has lacked sharpness recently, often struggling with finishing despite decent build-up play. Against India's solid defense—featuring players like Rahul Bheke—Rakib, Fahim, and Ibrahim must step up. Adding to the challenge is goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, ISL's best last season, who has returned to the national team after seven years.

Despite these hurdles, the excitement surrounding Hamza's debut has injected fresh energy into Bangladesh. The team will look to channel this momentum in their quest for victory.

The upcoming Bangladesh vs. India match has an extra layer of excitement— the battle between Hamza Choudhury and Sunil Chhetri. While Chhetri has already established himself as a football legend for India, Hamza is yet to make his debut for Bangladesh. One is a seasoned veteran, and the other a rising star, but the hype around their presence has already taken center stage in South Asian football discussions.

Chhetri, a legendary figure in Indian football, had announced his retirement but made a dramatic comeback at 40 years old just for this match against Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Hamza Choudhury is set to start a new chapter in Asian football, although he has yet to make his first appearance for Bangladesh. The comparisons have already begun—who is the bigger star?

For over two decades, Chhetri has been the heart of Indian football, known for his leadership, clinical finishing, and relentless work ethic. He is India's all-time leading goal scorer and ranks fourth among international top scorers, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi.

Chhetri started his professional career with Mohun Bagan in 2002 before playing across India and even having a brief stint with Portugal’s Sporting CP. His return from retirement is a statement that, despite his age, he is far from finished.

At 27 years old, Hamza Choudhury has already proven himself in English football. A Premier League winner with Leicester City in 2016, he has also lifted the FA Cup and played for England's U-21 team. Currently on loan at Sheffield United, the defensive midfielder has been hailed as a key asset for Bangladesh.

Born and raised in England, Hamza chose to represent Bangladesh out of love for his roots, and the country has embraced him wholeheartedly. Many are calling him Bangladesh’s "Messi" for the excitement he brings. His physicality, passing range, and top-tier experience are expected to add a new dimension to the Bangladesh team.

Despite the buzz, direct comparisons between Chhetri and Hamza are difficult since they play in entirely different roles. Chhetri is a center forward, India's main attacking weapon, known for his positioning, finishing, and ability to score under pressure.

Hamza, on the other hand, is a defensive midfielder, excelling in tackling, stamina, and disrupting opposition attacks. Unlike Chhetri, his job is not to score goals but to control the tempo and supply the forwards. His ability to perform against world-class opponents in England makes him a crucial figure for Bangladesh.

If Chhetri is a finisher, Hamza is the engine.

The March 25 clash between Bangladesh and India promises to be a classic showdown between experience and potential. Will Chhetri’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess shine, or will Hamza’s energy and midfield dominance steal the show?

The answer will be revealed under the lights of Shillong on match night!