Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera has assured supporters that midfielders Hamza Choudhury and Zayan Ahmed have not suffered serious injuries, despite both players limping off during the 2–2 draw against Nepal in Dhaka on Friday night.
Hamza, who scored twice before being substituted in the 80th minute with discomfort in his leg, looked in visible pain as he walked off. Earlier in the game, young midfielder Zayan Ahmed had also picked up a knock, prompting concern among fans ahead of Bangladesh’s crucial Asian Cup qualifier against India on 18 November.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Cabrera moved quickly to calm nerves:
“No, there is nothing serious,” he said. “Both players have picked up minor muscle strains. Nothing that puts them at risk for the India game.”
Friday’s friendly against Nepal was viewed as a key warm-up fixture for the high-stakes encounter against India. But the failure to convert a 2–1 lead into victory left Cabrera frustrated.
“Our overall performance was disappointing,” he admitted. “We tried to impose ourselves early in the second half and did that for a while, but we couldn’t maintain the intensity. Over 90 minutes, we lacked creativity and attacking structure.”
Bangladesh conceded the equaliser in the third minute of added time, repeating a familiar pattern after similar late heartbreak against Hong Kong last month. However, Cabrera refused to dwell on the negatives.
“We went out there to win, and that was the right attitude,” he said. “We should have been better than them and taken our chances. The result didn’t go our way, but there’s no need to be negative. The focus now is entirely on beating India.”
The Spanish coach confirmed that his side will spend the next few days analysing footage and addressing tactical flaws before facing India.
“We know our objective clearly — to take three points from the India match,” Cabrera explained. “We’ll review the videos, correct our mistakes, and use the four days we have to ensure those issues don’t happen again.”
Nepal’s head coach Hari Khadka, meanwhile, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but questioned the penalty decision that led to Bangladesh’s second goal.
“We’re happy to get a point — that’s our achievement from this match,” said Khadka. “Their first goal was brilliant, but I don’t understand how the second one was a penalty. Still, the referee’s decision is final.”
Despite the disappointment of another late setback, Bangladesh’s camp will take comfort in Cabrera’s assurance that both Hamza and Zayan are expected to be fit for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifier against India, a match that could define the team’s campaign.
