Bangladesh were left heartbroken after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 2–2 with Nepal in their international friendly at the National Stadium in Dhaka on 13 November. Despite Hamza Choudhury’s brilliant brace including a stunning overhead kick and a coolly taken penalty Bangladesh failed to hold on, with Ananta Tamang’s late strike denying them victory.
The match was part of Bangladesh’s preparation for the Asian Cup qualifier against India on 18 November, but the outcome left Javier Cabrera’s men with mixed feelings.
Nepal took the lead in the 32nd minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse down Bangladesh’s left. Saad Uddin failed to track his man, allowing a low cutback that Sohel Rana could not clear. The ball rolled kindly for Rohit Chand, who struck a fierce shot past both defenders and goalkeeper Mitul Marma to make it 1–0.
Earlier, Saad had nearly given Nepal another chance after misplacing a pass in his own half, only to recover in time. Despite dominating possession, Bangladesh struggled to create clear chances before the break. Rakib Hossain and Faysal Ahmed Fahim both came close but could not convert. Nepal goalkeeper Kiran Limbu, also the captain of Bangladesh Premier League side Police FC made several vital saves to keep his side in front.
Bangladesh’s best opportunity of the half came in the 26th minute when a defensive header from Nepal dropped inside the box, but Fahim miscontrolled and failed to get a shot away.
After trailing 1–0 at half-time, Bangladesh came out with renewed intent. Just a minute into the second half, they were level thanks to a moment of brilliance from Hamza Choudhury. Jamal Bhuyan picked up a loose clearance and lobbed the ball forward, allowing Hamza to execute a stunning overhead kick into the net, his third international goal.
Barely three minutes later, Bangladesh took the lead. Rakib Hossain was brought down inside the box, and Hamza calmly converted the penalty with a Panenka finish to make it 2–1, sending Nepal keeper Kiran Kumar the wrong way.
Cabrera’s side made several changes in the second half, with Shamit Shome introduced at the restart and later Shakil Ahad Topu, Shahriar Emon, and Mohammad Hridoy coming on around the 70-minute mark. In the 80th minute, Hamza was forced off with a minor injury and was replaced by 19-year-old debutant Cuba Mitchell.
Bangladesh appeared set for victory as the match entered stoppage time. However, in the third minute of added time, Nepal struck back. From a corner, defender Ananta Tamang got the faintest of touches to guide the ball into the net, making it 2–2 and silencing the home crowd.
The draw extended Bangladesh’s winless run against Nepal, who they have not beaten since 13 November 2020 exactly five years to the day. For Hamza, it was a standout performance, but his heroics ultimately went in vain as Bangladesh let victory slip away in the dying moments.
