By Sachit Subba • Football • Sep 06, 2025 16:34 PM • 178 views
Kathmandu – International football finally returned to Nepal after nearly two years, but the homecoming lacked the sparkle of a winning start. In front of a lively crowd at Dasharath Stadium on Saturday evening, Nepal and Bangladesh played out a tense goalless draw in the first of their two scheduled friendlies. The atmosphere was electric at kickoff, with fans eager to see their national team back on home turf. Nepal started cautiously, but it was Bangladesh who carved out the first threat of the night. In the 10th minute, captain Jamal Bhuyan's corner found Rakib Hossain, whose header was arrowing towards the target. However, Nepal's skipper Kiran Chemjong, as reliable as ever between the posts, stretched out to deny the visitors. Nepal soon grew into the game. Midfielder Manish Lama looked sharp from set pieces, whipping in a dangerous free-kick midway through the half. Defender Ananta Tamang rose highest and nodded goalward, but Bangladeshi goalkeeper Mohammad Sujon Hossain was quick to react, sparing his side. Lama tried again moments later, this time going for the goal directly, but Sujon gathered comfortably.
The hosts nearly paid for a lapse in concentration six minutes before halftime. With Chemjong stepping off his line, Sumon Reza found space inside the area and went for goal, only to send his strike over the crossbar to the relief of the home fans. After the break, Nepal showed more urgency, pushing their lines higher and testing Bangladesh's backline. In the 68th minute, striker Gillespye Jung Karki unleashed a thunderous effort from outside the box, forcing Sujon into his best save of the evening. But Nepal's lack of composure in the final third continued to haunt them. Bangladesh reminded everyone of their threat 10 minutes later. Substitute Mohammad Taj Uddin tried his luck from distance, and Chemjong had to scramble to smother the attempt. It was a warning that the visitors remained dangerous on the counter. In the end, both goalkeepers emerged as the central figures of the night, ensuring the contest remained scoreless. Nepal, though pleased with their defensive stability, will rue the missed opportunities that prevented a winning restart on home soil. The two sides will meet again on Tuesday, September 9, with Nepal hoping to find the cutting edge that eluded them in this spirited but frustrating opener.
