Hamza scores on home debut as Bangladesh beat Bhutan

After a 55-month absence, international football returned to the Bangabandhu National Stadium—and Bangladesh made the occasion count with a 2–0 win over Bhutan in their second match of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

The crowd of around 15,000 roared in celebration just six minutes into the match when Hamza Choudhury, making only his second appearance for Bangladesh, opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Jamal Bhuiyan corner. The Leicester City midfielder, who had only one goal in his 57 Premier League appearances, marked his home debut in national colours with a moment to savour.

Bangladesh continued to control proceedings in the first half. Debutant Fahamidul Islam was lively on the left flank, creating chances and testing the Bhutanese keeper. Jamal Bhuiyan also went close, while the backline led by Tapu Barman and Taj Uddin remained largely untroubled. Bhutan tried to hit back with the occasional counterattack but lacked the cutting edge.

The home side featured five foreign-born players in the starting eleven—Hamza, Jamal, Kazem Shah, Fahamidul, and Tariq Kazi—a new dynamic in Javier Cabrera's setup. However, with one eye on the next match against Singapore on June 10, Cabrera made three changes at the break, bringing on Morsalin, Hridoy, and Ibrahim in place of Jamal, Hamza, and Kazem.

Just three minutes into the second half, Sohel Rana doubled the lead with a stunning long-range strike, putting the result beyond doubt. Rakib Hossain nearly added a third but dragged his shot wide. Later substitutions saw Fahim and Al-Amin introduced as Bangladesh saw out the game comfortably.

There was chaos off the pitch, with mismanagement at the handball stadium gate causing congestion. Some supporters broke through barriers while others with valid tickets were left stranded outside. In a bizarre second-half moment, a pitch invader sprinted across the field and reached the Bangladesh dugout, attempting to take a selfie with Hamza before being removed by security.

Mitul Marma preserved his clean sheet with a late save, capping off a disciplined performance from the hosts. After the final whistle, Fahamidul celebrated near the press box with his family, while Hamza was swarmed by fans seeking photos and autographs.

It was more than just a win—it was a symbolic return. Football was back in the heart of Dhaka, and with it came renewed hope.