No one knows why Bangladesh broke down late, not even the coach

Bangla Press Desk:  For Bangladesh, conceding in the dying moments of a match has become an all-too-familiar heartbreak. Whether it’s a loss or a draw, the final whistle often brings frustration rather than relief. It wasn’t long ago—back on October 9 at the National Stadium—when Bangladesh faced Hong Kong, China in an AFC Asian Cup Qualifier. The match was locked 3–3 until the final seconds, when the visitors scored a last-gasp goal to hand the men in red and green a bitter defeat.

History repeated itself at the same venue on Thursday evening. This time, Bangladesh were denied victory in a FIFA international friendly against Nepal. Despite leading 2–1 deep into stoppage time, they conceded once again in the dying minutes.

Bangladesh had fallen behind early, but Hamza Choudhury’s quick brace after the break turned the game on its head. Cabrera’s men dominated possession and looked well on course for a confidence-boosting win. But after Hamza was substituted in the 80th minute, Nepal began to grow into the game. In the third minute of added time, defender Ananta Tamang flicked home from a corner, beating a crowded Bangladesh defence and goalkeeper Mitul Marma to snatch a 2–2 draw.

Head coach Javier Cabrera looked visibly drained in the post-match briefing. His words carried the weight of repeated disappointment.

“The end again was disappointing, especially after controlling most of the game,” Cabrera admitted. “We knew Nepal would defend deep and try to hit us in moments. We reacted very well after halftime, and that’s the one positive. But overall, we should have closed the match much better.”

Asked if the constant late lapses reflected a mental weakness, Cabrera disagreed.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a mental problem,” he insisted. “We prepare to defend these actions hundreds of times in training. Sometimes, it’s a single moment—a second of lost focus, a missed clearance. But yes, it’s happening too often, and that’s something we have to correct immediately.”

He also reflected on the team’s growth despite the recurring issue.

“Look, we’ve improved in many areas—our pressing, our transitions, our reactions after conceding,” Cabrera said. “The players want to defend with the same intensity in minute 95 as in minute 25. Sometimes the rival executes better in that moment. It’s a 50-50 situation.”

With just days left before the crucial World Cup Qualifier against India, Cabrera’s message was simple yet determined.

“We’ll review the footage, correct the mistakes, and prepare again. The focus now is on India. We want to show the same energy and courage from the first 15 minutes of the second half—that’s the Bangladesh we want to see.”

For now, though, the mystery of why Bangladesh can’t hold on till the final whistle remains unsolved—even for the coach himself.

BP/SP