An incredible header by Hamza Choudhury leads Bangladesh to a stunning victory over Bhutan.

As the floodlights flickered back to life at the National Stadium in Dhaka after an extended hiatus of 55 months, it was more than mere illumination; it was the fervent spirit of the nation’s football that illuminated the scene. Football has made its way back to its roots, and a ‘new Bangladeshi’—Hamza Choudhury—has ensured that this momentous occasion is one to remember. The crowd erupted in a chant—’Bangladesh! Bangladesh!’

The melody of past appeared to echo across the skies of Dhaka. The occasion of football’s return to its homeland, marked by a 2-0 victory over Bhutan, was indeed memorable.

Merely six minutes into the contest, Jamal Bhuiyan took it upon himself to deliver a corner kick. A throng of players found themselves entrenched in Bhutan’s defensive line. Amidst the throng, a spirited contender by the name of Hamza Chowdhury executed a flawless header that found the back of the Bhutanese net. The stadium’s electrifying roar was akin to the exhilaration of reclaiming something cherished after a prolonged absence!

Hailing from England, he made 57 appearances for Leicester City in the Premier League, managing to find the net only once throughout his career. This marked merely his second appearance for Bangladesh, yet it was at this juncture that the midfielder etched his name into the annals of history. He netted his inaugural goal while donning the national team jersey.

Bangladesh exhibited a series of fluctuations, as though they had rediscovered the essence of their once-elusive attacking football. Hamza found himself nearly in the opposing half. While his contributions in defence were limited, he truly excelled in the midfield, showcasing his remarkable skills and presence on the pitch.

Today, Bangladesh’s XI showcased remarkable diversity with the inclusion of five expatriate footballers in the lineup! Jamal, Hamza, Fahamidul, Kazem, and Tariq, a rather intriguing assortment of names, wouldn’t you agree? Two brothers standing firm in defense—Saad and Taj Uddin. However, the first half exhibited a distinct absence of coordination. Coach Kabrera implemented three substitutions at the start of the second half. He introduced Hamza, Jamal, and Kazem. He let go of Hridoy, Morsalin, and Ibrahim. The upcoming match against Singapore on June 10 calls for a prudent approach.

This alteration appeared to usher in yet another occasion for festivity. In the 48th minute, Sohel Rana’s 25-yard strike rattled the Bhutanese net. Rakib Hossain found himself in a prime position in front of the goal, yet his shot veered just wide of the target. In the 60th minute, the manager introduced Rakib and Fahamidul, substituting Al-Amin and Fahim out of the match. Fahamidul’s performance on the left wing was quite commendable, showcasing his versatility on the pitch. He will achieve a satisfactory score in the initial match.

Nevertheless, BFF is unlikely to achieve a satisfactory rating in the management of the match. The narrative beyond the game is far less jubilant than the victory itself. A throng gathered at the gate adjacent to the handball stadium, jostling and shoving, and soon enough, a few spectators, growing increasingly impatient, forced the gate open and made their way into the stadium grounds. A considerable number of ticket holders expressed their frustration and disappointment at being denied entry.

Amidst this turmoil, one might ponder the efficacy of the match management. An international fixture at the national stadium ought to be a cause for jubilation; however, if the management is in utter disarray, one must question the whereabouts of such a football celebration.

Yet another unexpected turn unfolded after the match reached the seventy-minute mark. The match is unfolding in a rather jovial atmosphere. It is rather biassed. Out of the blue, a spectator dashed from the torchlight line straight towards the Bangladesh dugout! His eyes sparkled with fervour, and his face radiated sheer exhilaration. His sole aim was to snap a photograph with Hamza Chowdhury!

Despite the swift actions of the security personnel to escort him away, the incident unfolded with a dramatic flair reminiscent of a cinematic spectacle. Such scenes are frequently observed in the fields of Europe, yet they remain a rarity in Bangladesh. This unforeseen yet poignant event stands as a testament to the fact that Bangladeshi football has emerged as a symbol of renewed optimism.

As the conclusion approached, it felt akin to suspending one’s breath. Bhutan possessed a remarkable opportunity. However, custodian Mitul Marma was well-prepared. And then… the final whistle blew. The final tally displayed – Bangladesh 2, Bhutan 0. Fahamidul encountered his parents at the periphery of the press box. A multitude of individuals attempted to capture a selfie with Hamza, smartphones at the ready. Shamit Som, having arrived in Dhaka this morning to represent the Bangladesh team, relished these delightful moments from the President’s Box.

A tremendous cheer erupted from the gallery. Today’s triumph transcended mere goals. It was a victory that had been eagerly anticipated. One thousand and fifteen spectators graced the stadium, which boasts a capacity of 21,000. The evening ahead was not merely a game—it represented the resurgence of the beautiful game. Following an extensive 55-month period of quietude, the National Stadium once more basked in illumination. The fading light of the day re-emerged, bringing with it a sense of regained confidence and that delightful joy once more.