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The Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) has officially confirmed that the Bangladesh national football team will play a FIFA international friendly against Nepal on November 13, following the last-minute cancellation of their scheduled match against Afghanistan.
The announcement was made by Golam Gauss, chairman of the BFF’s competitions committee, who revealed that Nepal stepped in after Myanmar declined to travel to Dhaka, forcing a reshuffle in Bangladesh’s international friendly calendar.
🏟️ Fixture Adjustments After Myanmar Withdrawal
Bangladesh were originally slated to host Afghanistan in Dhaka as part of their preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, but logistical and scheduling issues following Myanmar’s withdrawal led to the change in opposition.
“Myanmar’s refusal to play in Dhaka created a sudden gap in our international fixture window,” said Gauss. “We quickly reached out to potential teams, and Nepal confirmed their availability. We’re grateful for their cooperation and excited for this South Asian matchup.”
🇧🇩 A Crucial Test for the Bengal Tigers
For Bangladesh, the friendly represents a vital opportunity to test their combinations, tactics, and squad depth ahead of competitive fixtures. Head coach Javier Cabrera is expected to field a mix of experienced players and emerging young talents in an effort to strengthen the team’s chemistry and attacking rhythm.
Sources close to the national camp suggest that Cabrera may experiment with new formations, particularly focusing on ball progression and defensive structure, two areas that have challenged the side in recent international matches.
🇳🇵 Nepal Step In With Intent
Meanwhile, Nepal’s national team, under the leadership of head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese, are equally motivated to use the fixture as a preparation match for their own qualification commitments.
The Nepalese side, known for their speed and compact defensive setup, could pose a significant challenge for Bangladesh, particularly on counter-attacks and set-pieces. Both teams are ranked closely in the FIFA World Rankings, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle.
💬 BFF Confident Despite Disruption
While the last-minute fixture change caused logistical disruptions, the BFF remains optimistic about hosting a competitive game.
“Football schedules can change quickly, especially in international windows,” said Golam Gauss. “Our focus was to ensure that the national team didn’t lose valuable match practice. Playing Nepal gives us a meaningful test within the region.”
He also confirmed that the friendly will be held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, with kick-off time and ticketing details to be announced shortly.
🔎 Recent Meetings
Bangladesh and Nepal share a long-standing regional rivalry. In their most recent meeting during the SAFF Championship, Bangladesh secured a 2–0 win, with forward Rakib Hossain and captain Jamal Bhuiyan leading the charge.
However, both teams have made tactical adjustments since then — and with several new faces in their respective lineups, the November clash promises fresh storylines and renewed energy.
🗣️ Fan Reaction
Fans have reacted positively to the announcement on social media.
One supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Glad to see BFF act fast. Nepal vs Bangladesh always delivers drama. Can’t wait for November 13!”
Another added:
“Even though we missed Afghanistan, Nepal is a worthy opponent. Let’s use this game to prepare properly for World Cup Qualifiers.”
📅 Match Details
Match: Bangladesh 🇧🇩 vs Nepal 🇳🇵
Date: November 13, 2025
Venue: Bangabandhu National Stadium, Dhaka
Competition: FIFA International Friendly
