The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) had officially announced on July 7 that Bangladesh would play two matches in Kathmandu in the September window. Although Nepal had made the announcement, the BFF had remained silent about Bangladesh’s opponent in the September FIFA window. Vietnam was an alternative, but the Football Federation ultimately decided to play against Nepal today. In a press release tonight, the BFF officially announced the two matches to be played in Kathmandu, Nepal on September 6 and 9.
The BFF had planned to play the Bangladesh team against a European team in the September window at the National Team Committee meeting on May 29. In this context, the BFF contacted 27 countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The European and African countries expressed their displeasure because of the World Cup qualifiers in September. Although the BFF had agreed to play the four-nation tournament in Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Football Federation later changed that plan.
The BFF sent an invitation to play with Nepal on June 18. After discussions between the two parties, the two sides officially agreed to play two matches on July 2. After Nepal agreed to play the match, Vietnam invited the BFF to play two away matches on July 11. That’s when the BFF found itself in a crisis. Before playing against Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifiers on October 9, the BFF tried to play with the powerful Vietnam. Since the match with Nepal was final, the BFF tried to arrange for Cambodia to play in Nepal. Since Cambodia was not interested in going to Nepal, the BFF could not move forward with the game with Vietnam. An online meeting of the National Team Committee was held today. In the circumstances that arose in that meeting, a formal decision was made to play two matches with Nepal in the September window. The BFF, in a press release, cited the prior consent and regional friendly relations as the reasons behind this decision.
Bangladesh’s opponents are Hong Kong, China and Japan, which are playing against strong teams. There, Bangladesh will face an almost equal-strength Nepal in September. It is a big question how well they can cope with Hong Kong, which is 30 places ahead in the rankings after playing against Nepal. Because they defeated Bhutan 2-0 in June and lost to Singapore 1-2.
FAQ
Why did Bangladesh choose to play against Nepal instead of Vietnam?
Bangladesh likely selected Nepal due to logistical ease, familiar playing conditions, and a more balanced competition to prepare effectively for the Asian Cup Qualifiers.
When will the matches against Nepal take place?
The matches are scheduled for September 2025, as part of Bangladesh’s preparation for the upcoming Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Where will the Bangladesh vs Nepal matches be held?
The specific venues have not been officially confirmed yet, but the matches are expected to be played either in Nepal or at a neutral venue.
Was Vietnam also considered for these friendly matches?
Yes, Vietnam was among the shortlisted options, but Bangladesh ultimately opted for Nepal based on strategic and logistical factors.
