Hamza Choudhury Scores on Home Debut as Bangladesh Beat Bhutan 2-0

A sixth minute goal lifts Bangladesh in Dhaka

Hamza Choudhury scored his first international goal just six minutes into his home debut as Bangladesh defeated Bhutan 2-0 in a FIFA international friendly at the renovated National Stadium in Dhaka. More than 16,000 fans filled the stands for a match that brought international football back to the venue after more than four years of renovations.

Captain Jamal Bhuiyan supplied the corner, and Choudhury rose above the Bhutanese defence to head Bangladesh into an early lead. The goal gave the crowd an immediate reward for its anticipation and set the tone for a first half in which the midfielder helped direct play and create chances.

Sohel Rana added the second goal in the 49th minute, curling a shot with his left foot from outside the penalty area. Choudhury had been substituted after the break, but Bangladesh continued to control the contest, with Bhutan rarely threatening the home goal.

The victory gave Bangladesh a successful return to a stadium long considered the heart of the country's football. It also provided preparation for the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore, scheduled for June 10 at the same venue.

Why Choudhury's home debut drew such attention

Choudhury is a British born footballer of Bangladeshi descent who chose to represent his mother's homeland. The midfielder, currently playing for Sheffield United in the English Premier League, had made his international debut for Bangladesh against India in March.

Dhaka offered a different milestone: his first appearance for the national team on home soil. Fans gathered hours before kickoff, eager to see a player whose tenacity and tactical intelligence had brought fresh excitement to the squad.

Choudhury's decision to represent Bangladesh has been widely celebrated. His arrival reflects a growing trend of diaspora athletes strengthening national teams in South Asia, with players who grew up abroad bringing their experience to countries connected to their families.

Bangladesh's interest in such players is about combining that international experience with the abilities of local footballers. Choudhury's home debut gave supporters a chance to see that combination in action, with Bhuiyan providing the delivery for his opening goal and Rana later adding the second.

How Bangladesh built and protected the lead

Bhuiyan's precise corner in the sixth minute gave Choudhury the opportunity to make an immediate mark. His header sent the crowd into celebration and put Bhutan behind before the match had settled into its rhythm.

Choudhury remained central to Bangladesh's play throughout the first half. He directed moves from midfield and created several chances, while supporters greeted his passes, tackles and touches with loud applause. His influence extended beyond the goal, helping the hosts establish a dominant first half.

Bangladesh maintained its momentum after Choudhury's substitution. Rana's curling strike in the 49th minute doubled the advantage soon after the interval, giving the home side a stronger position for the rest of the game.

Bhutan rarely threatened the Bangladeshi goal as the hosts controlled the remaining play. The result brought Bangladesh's record against Bhutan to 13 victories in 17 encounters, meaning it has won just over three quarters of the meetings between the two teams.

Both coaches credit more than the goalscorer

Bangladesh head coach Javier Cabrera praised Choudhury's influence, particularly during the opening stages. He also credited the rest of the team and described Bhutan as a strong opponent.

Hamza had a big impact in the first half. He was especially influential at the beginning. When you have a player of his caliber, it's quite visible. But the rest of the players also performed very well. I think Bhutan were a strong opponent, so it was a different kind of performance from us.

Cabrera's assessment matched the way Bangladesh sustained its performance after Choudhury left the pitch. The opening goal came from a combination between the captain and the home debutant, while Rana supplied the second as the hosts continued to press their advantage.

Bhutan head coach Atsushi Nakamura also praised Choudhury, describing him as a valuable addition to Bangladesh. His assessment credited the wider team for making the match difficult for Bhutan.

Not only the goal, but he contributed in many other aspects too. He's a great addition to the team. It was a tough game for us, not just because of Hamza, but also due to the strong performances from the rest of the Bangladeshi players.

Both coaches placed Choudhury's performance within the team's success. His early impact attracted attention, but Bangladesh's control of the match and Rana's second goal gave the victory a broader foundation.

The National Stadium returns to international football

Dhaka's National Stadium had not hosted a match since November 2020. The Bhutan fixture marked the return of international football after extensive renovations lasting more than four years, making the occasion important beyond the result.

More than 16,000 supporters attended, and the stands were nearly packed. Fans began arriving hours before kickoff, bringing an atmosphere of anticipation to the reopening and to Choudhury's first home appearance.

Choudhury was the main attraction, with cheers following his every move. At one point, a spectator entered the pitch and attempted to take a selfie with the midfielder before security escorted the person away.

The crowd's response showed the excitement surrounding the return of football to the stadium and the arrival of players with experience abroad. Choudhury, Bhuiyan and other players with international experience have brought new energy to the national side, raising hopes among supporters about what the team can achieve.

Cabrera tests newcomers before Singapore

Cabrera used the friendly to test new combinations ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore. Fahamedul Islam, Taj Uddin and Al Amin all made their debuts, adding another important element to a match dominated by attention on Choudhury.

The Bangladesh coach praised the newcomers, singling out Fahamedul for his energy and involvement. Their appearances gave him an opportunity to assess how new players fitted into the team before the next competitive fixture.

Bangladesh also expects its squad to be strengthened by Canada based midfielder Shamit Shome. He watched the Bhutan match from the stands and was considered likely to make his debut soon, although no debut date was given.

The effort to bring diaspora players into the squad forms part of a broader strategy to raise Bangladesh's footballing standards. The aim is to blend local talent with international experience so that the national side can compete more effectively on the Asian stage.

From the India debut to the June 10 qualifier

Bangladesh's attention now turns to Singapore, with the AFC Asian Cup qualifier scheduled for June 10 at the National Stadium. The Bhutan victory gave Cabrera a chance to assess both established players and newcomers at the venue where the next match is due to take place.

The key stages leading to that fixture are:

• November 2020: The National Stadium hosted its last match before the extended renovation period.
• March 2025: Choudhury made his international debut for Bangladesh against India.
• The Bhutan friendly: Choudhury scored in the sixth minute of his home debut, and Rana added a second in the 49th minute as Bangladesh won 2-0.
• June 10, 2025: Bangladesh is scheduled to face Singapore in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier at the same stadium.

For Bangladesh, the friendly brought together several developments: a returning national venue, a successful home debut for Choudhury, opportunities for three newcomers and another victory over Bhutan. The Singapore fixture is the team's next opportunity to carry that momentum into its Asian qualifying campaign.

Key Points

• Bangladesh beat Bhutan 2-0 before more than 16,000 fans at the renovated National Stadium in Dhaka.
• Choudhury headed in Bhuiyan's corner after six minutes for his first international goal on his home debut.
• Rana scored with a curling strike in the 49th minute after Choudhury had been substituted.
• The match brought international football back to the stadium after more than four years of renovations.
• Fahamedul Islam, Taj Uddin and Al Amin made their debuts; Shamit Shome watched from the stands.
• Bangladesh has won 13 of its 17 encounters with Bhutan and next faces Singapore in the June 10 Asian Cup qualifier.