The Asiapost News

Dhaka, June 4, 2025 – Bangladesh delivered a commanding performance, defeating Bhutan 2-0 in an international friendly match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on Wednesday evening. The victory served as a crucial warm-up for the Bengal Tigers ahead of their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on June 10, 2025.

Match Summary

The match, which kicked off at 7:00 PM BST before a lively home crowd, saw Bangladesh dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. The scoring opened early in the 7th minute when Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury marked his first goal for Bangladesh with a well-taken strike, assisted by captain Jamal Bhuyan. The hosts maintained their momentum, and in the 50th minute, Sohel Rana sealed the victory with a stunning long-range effort, described by fans on social media as a “bullet shot from outside the box.”

Bangladesh controlled 50% of the ball, registering six shots on target and earning five corners, while Bhutan struggled to create chances, failing to record a single shot on target and managing only three corners. The match saw no cards issued, with Bangladesh making two substitutions and Bhutan one. The clean sheet and disciplined performance highlighted Bangladesh’s defensive solidity and attacking intent.

Key Performances

Hamza Choudhury, making his mark in his debut international campaign, was a standout, earning praise for his composure and vision. Jamal Bhuyan’s assist underscored his leadership, while Sohel Rana’s goal showcased his flair. Debutants Fahamedul Islam, Taj Uddin, and Al Amin Islam also impressed, with fans noting their promising contributions. Bhutan, ranked 183rd in the FIFA world rankings, struggled to match Bangladesh’s intensity, unable to convert their limited opportunities.

Context and Significance

This friendly was Bangladesh’s first home match in four years at the iconic Bangabandhu National Stadium, sparking excitement among fans who filled the stands. The game was a critical preparation for Bangladesh’s upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifier, with the team looking to build momentum after a mixed run of form. Recent results include a 0-0 draw against India in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers on March 25, 2025, and a 2-1 win over Maldives in November 2024. Bhutan, coming off a 1-0 victory over Bangladesh in a September 2024 friendly, aimed to repeat their upset but found themselves outclassed.

Historically, Bangladesh holds a strong record against Bhutan, with eight wins in 12 encounters since 2005, compared to Bhutan’s two victories and two draws. The head-to-head record reflects Bangladesh’s dominance, with 24 goals scored to Bhutan’s eight.

Fan and Team Reactions

Social media buzzed with excitement, with posts on X celebrating Bangladesh’s performance. One fan account described the match as a “near comprehensive display from the Tigers,” noting that Bangladesh could have scored as many as five goals. Another post hailed the return of international football to Dhaka, with the “roar of the Bengal Tigers” echoing through the stadium. The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) expressed optimism, with the team’s focus now shifting to the Singapore match.

Bhutan’s coach acknowledged Bangladesh’s superiority, citing their physical and tactical edge. Meanwhile, Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera praised his squad’s discipline and attacking flair, particularly highlighting the contributions of debutants and Choudhury’s growing influence.

The victory boosts Bangladesh’s confidence as they prepare for a challenging AFC Asian Cup qualification campaign. With a FIFA ranking of 183rd compared to Bhutan’s 183rd, Bangladesh was expected to win, but the manner of their performance signaled potential for a strong showing in upcoming competitive fixtures. For Bhutan, the match exposed areas for improvement, particularly in attack, as they continue to develop their football program.

The event also underscored the growing passion for football in Bangladesh, with the sold-out stadium and vibrant fan engagement signaling a bright future for the sport. Tickets, sold exclusively through Tickify, were in high demand, with gates opening at 5:00 PM to accommodate eager supporters.

As Bangladesh looks ahead to their clash with Singapore, the team’s blend of experienced players and emerging talents offers hope for a successful qualification campaign. For now, the Bengal Tigers can savor a well-earned victory that showcased their potential on home soil.

Sources: Bangladesh Football Federation, Scores24.live, Sofascore, AiScore, FOX Sports, and posts on X.