Bangladesh endured another frustrating night as they were held to a goalless draw against Nepal at Kathmandu’s Dashrath Rangashala Stadium. In front of a lively crowd, the game lacked rhythm, intensity, and attacking precision, leaving both sets of supporters underwhelmed at the final whistle.
The opening half was marked by a scrappy display from both teams, with the poor condition of the pitch playing a major role. Players from either side slipped repeatedly, which disrupted momentum and made it difficult to carry out passing sequences with fluidity.
Nepal came closest early on when defender Ananta Tamang unleashed a powerful effort that forced Bangladesh goalkeeper Sujon into an excellent save. Bangladesh, meanwhile, carved out a golden opportunity through a long throw that fell to striker Sumon Reza. With time and space, he failed to make it count, wasting what could have been the breakthrough moment.
Bangladesh started in a 4-3-3 formation but shifted into a 2-3-4-1 or 3-2-3-1 shape in possession. Despite those tactical adjustments, the team struggled to progress into dangerous zones. Ibrahim was withdrawn at half-time, replaced by Emon, but the change did little to inspire creativity in the attacking third.
The second half brought more of the same frustration. Bangladesh attempted to build from the back but consistently failed to utilise the wide areas, half spaces, and the key zone 14 region in front of Nepal’s defence. Their movements often broke down before reaching the penalty area, leaving the forwards isolated and ineffective.
Nepal, on the other hand, relied heavily on their left flank to launch attacks. They produced a handful of threatening moves and shooting opportunities, but the Bangladeshi backline remained firm and survived without conceding.
Bangladesh’s only shot on target in the second half came from right-back Taj Uddin, who replaced his brother Saad Uddin after the break. While Ridoy and Sohel Rana showed composure in holding midfield, the real shortcoming was the lack of numbers going forward. Wingers Rakib, Emon, and Ibrahim repeatedly found themselves without options, forced either to cross blindly or recycle possession backwards.
The game eventually petered out into a dull stalemate. For the crowd, the lack of quality in the final third from both sides meant there was little to cheer. Despite the match drawing significant sponsorship attention, particularly with anticipation around Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury, the midfielder was not released by his club and could not feature.
After the final whistle, there was some light-hearted camaraderie as players from both sides exchanged words, with several Nepali footballers preparing to join Bangladesh’s domestic league for the upcoming season.
For Bangladesh, the draw raises further concerns about their attacking structure and inability to break down opposition defences. Nepal, meanwhile, will reflect on missed chances but can take comfort in their defensive resilience.
Both teams left the pitch knowing they will need significant improvement if they are to give their fans something more to celebrate in the matches to come.