Bangladesh’s Hamza Chowdhury, captaining Leicester City, delivered a brilliant goal—only the second of his club career.
The match was in its 54th minute when Hamza set up the play. Receiving a pass from Casey McCarthy inside the box, he tried to bypass an opponent and passed the ball toward goal. It deflected off a defender’s foot and came back to Hamza. With a precise touch, he controlled it and volleyed instantly. The ball flew like a rocket and into the net, giving Leicester City the lead under their captain’s leadership.
However, despite Hamza’s stunning strike, Leicester couldn’t secure the win. After a 2-2 draw, they lost 3-2 in a penalty shootout and were eliminated in the first round of the English Football League Cup (Carabao Cup) against Huddersfield Town.
Though Leicester was the favorite, this result was disappointing. They controlled the ball for 60 percent of the match but created few clear chances. Out of 12 shots, only three were on target. Huddersfield managed six shots at goal.
Leicester dominated the first half at Huddersfield’s ground but struggled to convert chances. Hamza’s goal came in the 54th minute of the second half. Playing as a right-back that day, he wore the captain’s armband. Having started his professional career with Leicester ten years ago, Hamza had previously captained the team as well.
This was only the second goal of his long professional career. The first came in January 2020 when he scored from outside the box in the Premier League against Newcastle United, playing as a defensive midfielder or defender.
Huddersfield equalized in the 65th minute. Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk made a brilliant save to his left from Dion Charles’ penalty, but 17-year-old Daniel Vost headed in the rebound.
Three minutes later, Leicester regained the lead. Sub Stephi Mavididi delivered a pass from the corner of the box, and Harry Winks curled a fantastic shot into the net. Yet Huddersfield leveled again in the 76th minute, with Cameron Ashia scoring from close range after finding space in the box.
In the shootout, Leicester’s McCarthy and Jordan Iyu had their attempts saved by Huddersfield goalkeeper Lee Nicholls, while Bilal Al Khannus hit the post. Thus, Leicester’s League Cup campaign ended at the very first hurdle.
Before this defeat, however, Leicester had opened their season with a victory in the English Championship last Sunday.
