In a triumphant return to the newly renovated Dhaka National Stadium—revered as the heart of Bangladeshi football—the Tigers avenged their previous loss to Bhutan on foreign soil with a commanding 2-0 victory in a FIFA international friendly on Wednesday.
This win sets the stage for their upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on June 10, with the match serving as a crucial tune-up for Coach Javier Cabrera’s squad.
The atmosphere at the stadium, gleaming after its recent overhaul, buzzed with anticipation as Bangladesh showcased their dominance.
Fans weren’t disappointed. Just six minutes into the game, English Premier League-experienced defensive midfielder Hamza Chowdhury ignited the crowd, scoring the opening goal in his second appearance for the national team.
“Hamza’s inclusion has significantly boosted Bangladesh’s strength,” Bhutan’s coach had noted at the pre-match press conference, a prophecy fulfilled in Chowdhury’s 45-minute masterclass.
The second goal came from veteran Sohel Rana, cementing Bangladesh’s control. Coach Cabrera also gave Italy-based forward Fahamidul Islam 60 minutes to shine, and the debutant didn’t disappoint, displaying flair and skill that electrified the pitch.
The revamped Dhaka National Stadium, unfamiliar to many players, proved no obstacle as the team delivered a performance that met the high expectations of their home crowd.
With an eye on sustainability, the Bangladesh Football Federation incorporated eco-friendly measures at the stadium, such as minimising single-use plastics and enhancing waste management, aligning with the spirit of World Environment Day on June 5.
This victory, both on and off the field, underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to excellence in sport and environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, the team will take Thursday for recovery before diving into preparations for the Singapore match.
Canadian expatriate Shamit Som will join the 25-player squad for training, which saw five substitutions during the Bhutan game – Shakil Ahamed Topu, Riday, Sheikh Morsalin, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, and Mohammad Ibrahim – all brought on to test the team’s depth.
Bangladesh XI: Mitul Marma (goalkeeper), Tajuddin, Saad Uddin, Sohel Rana, Fahamidul Islam, Jamal Bhuiyan, Topu Barman, Rakib Hossain, Kazem Shah, Tariq Kazi, Hamza Chowdhury.