Rahul Giri in Shillong
Being a football reporter and an Indian football faithful, it was disappointing to witness India’s frustrating goalless draw against Bangladesh. In their last 14 matches, India has now managed only two wins, showing hardly any progress. What adds to the disappointment is that Sunil Chhetri and Co. couldn’t test Bangladesh’s goalkeeper even once with a challenging attempt, despite Bangladesh being ranked 59 places lower in the FIFA rankings.
However, amidst the frustration, one moment of solace came from witnessing the Premier League midfielder Hamza Choudhury’s astute display on the pitch. Currently playing for Sheffield United in the English Championship, Hamza was undoubtedly the standout player on Tuesday. Making his debut for the Bangladesh national team in front of his family, the 27-year-old described the emotional moment, saying, “I am super proud. The national anthem gave me goosebumps.”
Hamza’s impact in the midfield was undeniable, stretching from his own box to the opponent’s. His sharp man-marking, defensive awareness, and forward passes created constant threats for India. While the Bangladesh team had been preparing for this international fixture for over a week, Hamza joined the squad just five days before the match. Despite the short window, he gelled seamlessly with his teammates. His positional discipline and ability to orchestrate play from midfield set him apart.
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Perhaps, had Hamza been able to join the national camp a bit earlier — if not for Sheffield United’s tight schedule — Bangladesh might have displayed an even stronger midfield combination. Still, within just five days, Hamza proved his worth and became an integral part of the team. His commitment and humility stood out, both on and off the pitch.
During my three days in Shillong, trailing the Bangladesh team, one thing became evident — Hamza’s down-to-earth nature. Despite his stature as a Premier League footballer, he never shied away from interactions. Whether it was fans requesting selfies or reporters seeking his thoughts in the mixed zone, Hamza obliged with a smile.
The result — a draw against India in their own backyard — was a significant achievement for Bangladesh and a proud moment for their fans. But Hamza was quick to attribute the result to his teammates.
“I am proud of everyone in the team. They worked super hard for a month, and I just came in for the last five days. They put in all the hard work,” he said.
Although disappointed with the missed opportunities, especially in the first half, Hamza remained optimistic. “Definitely, we could have won. I think in the first half we had some very good chances. Next game, for sure, we will score,” he asserted.
Looking ahead, Hamza remains hopeful about Bangladesh’s prospects in upcoming international fixtures. “It’s a slow process, and hopefully, we will get success in the future,” he concluded, extending an early Eid Mubarak to the fans.