Hamza and Zayen Ahmed’s injuries have left Bangladesh worried, especially with the India match just around the corner.
It was a game of two halves for Bangladesh — dull in the first, determined and organized in the second. Within the first five minutes after the break, Hamza Chowdhury scored twice to turn the game around. His first came from a spectacular bicycle kick, followed by a cheeky Panenka penalty. The England-born midfielder’s brilliance seemed to have set Bangladesh on course for victory against Nepal, but fate had other plans. A late equalizer in stoppage time crushed the hosts’ celebrations.
At the National Stadium on Thursday, Javier Cabrera’s side settled for a 2-2 draw after losing their way in the dying moments of the friendly.
After falling behind to a goal from Rohit Chand, Hamza brought Bangladesh level in the 46th minute and gave them the lead just four minutes later. But in added time, Ananta Tamang’s header ensured the visitors shared the spoils.
Bangladesh will face India next Tuesday in the third-round return leg of the Asian Cup Qualifiers. Beating Nepal was meant to boost their confidence before that crucial clash, but that plan didn’t materialize.
To make matters worse, injuries to Hamza and Zayen have left Bangladesh in trouble, with little time left before the India fixture.
Ironically, it was on this same day in 2020 that Bangladesh last beat Nepal at this very venue, winning 2-0. Their most recent meeting in Kathmandu last September ended in a goalless draw.
Since defeating Bhutan in a friendly last June, Bangladesh have now gone five matches without a win.
From the start, Bangladesh focused more on maintaining possession rather than launching effective attacks. Rakib and Fahim struggled to make an impact, with Ananta Tamang’s tight marking keeping Rakib quiet.
Their first real chance came in the 26th minute, but miscommunication between Rakib and Fahim cost them. A loose clearance from Sumit Shrestha landed at Rakib’s feet, but he failed to get a clean shot away. Before Fahim could strike, goalkeeper Kiran Limbu slid in to clear the danger.
Nepal, waiting patiently for their opportunity, silenced the crowd in the 29th minute. Sumit’s cut-back evaded Sohel Rana Sr., and Rohit Chand smashed a low bullet into the net from outside the box.
Bangladesh tried to respond with aggressive play, but their attacks lacked shape. In the 36th minute, Fahim’s straightforward shot was easily stopped by Limbu, and moments before halftime, Fahim’s weak header from Rakib’s cross drew frustration.
Then came Hamza’s moment of brilliance — an overhead kick in the first minute of the second half. Fahim’s cross wasn’t properly cleared, and Jamal Bhuiyan’s perfect chip set up Hamza for a stunning finish that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
In the 50th minute, Hamza doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Rakib was fouled inside the box. The composed Panenka finish fooled Limbu, who dived to his right as the ball floated straight down the middle.
With that, Hamza took his Bangladesh tally to four goals. He had earlier opened his account against Bhutan and later scored against Hong Kong in the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Nepal came close again when one of their efforts hit the post, but Bangladesh survived.
Coach Cabrera made three substitutions in the 71st minute — one forced after Zayen limped off injured and was carried away. Shahriar Imon, Shakil Ahad Topu, and Mohammad Hridoy came on for Fahim, Zayen, and Sohel Rana Sr.
Cabrera had earlier mentioned his plan to give players enough match time before the India game. He was even preparing to substitute captain Jamal Bhuiyan when Hamza went down injured. The severity of the injury remains unclear, but Hamza was replaced by Cuba Mitchell, who made his debut for Bangladesh.
Despite the setbacks, Bangladesh seemed poised for victory — until the final moments. In stoppage time, Ananta Tamang’s deft flick from a corner beat Mitul, denying Bangladesh their first win over Nepal in five years.
