The Bangladesh national football team, led by coach Javier Cabrera, had to settle for a disappointing 2-2 draw against Nepal in a friendly match held at the National Stadium on Thursday.
The match saw two distinctly contrasting halves for Bangladesh. They appeared "colourless" in the first half but returned "composed and desperate for victory" in the second.
At the First Half Nepal took the lead early in the match via Rohit Chand, and second Half Rally Bangladesh responded immediately after the restart, with the English-born star Hamza Choudhury proving decisive. Hamza scored a spectacular equalizer (46th minute) with a stunning bicycle kick. Just four minutes later, Hamza gave Bangladesh the lead (50th minute) by converting a penalty with a confident Panenka-style spot-kick.
Despite Hamza's brilliance, Bangladesh failed to hold onto their lead. Fate intervened in the final moments when Ananta Tamang scored in stoppage time (added time), restoring parity and spoiling the hosts' celebration. The late goal meant Cabrera's side "lost their way late on" and were forced to accept the draw.
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