Bangladesh were left frustrated once again as a late Nepal goal denied them victory at home, forcing a 2–2 draw despite leading until the closing minutes. It followed the heartbreak against Hong Kong China in the Asian Cup Qualifiers, where Jamal Bhuiyan’s side conceded in injury time and slipped to a 4–3 defeat after a 3–3 scoreline.
Hamza Choudhury produced a standout performance, scoring both goals for Bangladesh. Trailing after a defensive lapse in the first half, the hosts were desperate for a breakthrough. Hamza delivered it in style with a superb bicycle kick, connecting with Jamal’s lifted pass inside the box to send the national stadium into raptures.
Only minutes later, Bangladesh went ahead. Suman Shrestha fouled Rakib inside the area, and Hamza converted the resulting penalty with calm precision. Aside from his brace, however, Bangladesh struggled to create further clear chances. The departures of Hamza and Zayan through injury allowed Nepal to push forward.
In the third minute of added time, Ananta Tamang flicked in a corner past goalkeeper Mitul Marmar, silencing the crowd and leaving Bangladesh’s supporters disappointed once again. Despite the result, Hamza and Jamal have already shifted their focus to the upcoming fixture against India. An ice pack was briefly seen around Hamza’s leg after he left the pitch, though head coach Javier Cabrera remains confident it will not become a major concern.
Later, in a Facebook post thanking the supporters, Hamza wrote:
“Another disappointing end to the night in a game we should’ve won! Thankyou as always for your love and support let’s stick together!! Let’s all get ready for the big one and Alhamdullilah as well.”
Bangladesh last defeated Nepal 2–0 in November 2020. In the five years since, the two sides have shared two draws and two defeats. On 18 November, Bangladesh will host India at the National Stadium in their next Asian Cup Qualifier.
