Hamza’s brilliance not enough as Bangladesh held by Nepal

Bangladesh concede deep into stoppage time before injuries to Hamza and Zayyan compound their woes

Bangladesh threw away a two-goal comeback as Nepal equalised in stoppage time to hold the hosts to a 2–2 draw in a friendly, despite a dazzling brace from Hamza Choudhury that included a stunning bicycle kick and a cool Panenka penalty.

It was a tale of two halves for Javier Cabrera’s side -- lifeless before the break, lively and determined after it at the National Stadium on Thursday

Trailing to Rohit Chand’s first-half strike, Bangladesh levelled through Hamza’s exquisite overhead effort just a minute into the second half before the England-born midfielder calmly chipped home from the spot four minutes later.

The home side looked set for victory, but Ananta Tamang’s last-gasp swipe from a corner denied them their first win over Nepal since 2020.

Bangladesh’s night ended in further disappointment as Hamza and Zayyan Ahmed both limped off injured, casting doubt on their availability for Tuesday’s crucial Asian Cup qualifier against India.

The hosts, who last beat Nepal 2–0 in Dhaka five years ago, started with plenty of possession but little penetration.

Rakib Hossain and Mohammed Fahim struggled to create clear chances, with Tamang keeping the former quiet. Their best opening in the 26th minute came to nothing after confusion between the forwards.

Nepal made them pay three minutes later, when Sumit Shrestha’s cutback was misjudged by Sohel Rana Sr, allowing Rohit to rifle a low drive past Mitul Marma.

Bangladesh improved after the interval. Substitute Shamit Shome added stability in midfield, and within moments, Hamza’s spectacular overhead kick from Jamal Bhuiyan’s deft chip brought the crowd to its feet.

Moments later, Hamza struck again with a cheeky Panenka past Kiran Limbu to make it 2–1. But the closing stages proved costly.

Zayyan was carried off injured before Hamza too went down, replaced by debutant Cuba Mitchell. Bangladesh, already clinging on, were undone when Tamang flicked home from a corner in added time.

The result stretched Bangladesh’s winless run to five games since June’s victory over Bhutan -- and left Cabrera’s men with questions to answer and little time before their key meeting with India.