Heartbroken Hamza defends teammates after late defeat

Bangladesh captain Hamza Choudhury urged supporters not to single out any player after a costly late mistake sent the hosts crashing out of the SAFF Championship with a 1-0 semi-final defeat to Pakistan on Saturday.

Abdul Samad Shahzad struck five minutes from time to break Bangladesh hearts at the National Stadium, ending their hopes of reaching the final since 2005.

The defeat was particularly painful for the hosts, who had held Pakistan at bay for most of the contest before goalkeeper Mehedi Hasan Srabon's misplaced throw-out gifted the visitors their decisive opportunity.

Hamza, visibly disappointed after the final whistle, described the defeat as heartbreaking not only for the players but also for the supporters and the entire nation.

"Very, very, very heartbreaking. It is a huge heartbreak, not just for us, obviously, but for the fans and the nation. But it is the mercy of Allah; what else can I say," Hamza told reporters in the mixed zone.

With the late goal proving decisive, the Bangladesh captain was quick to defend his teammates, insisting no individual should be held responsible for the defeat.

"People cannot blame any of us. We all played 11 versus 11, so no one can blame any individual," he said.

Hamza also disagreed with suggestions that Pakistan had deliberately conserved energy in the first half, believing their opponents had altered their approach after the interval.

"No, no, no, I don't think so. I think they changed their game plan during half-time," he said.

The midfielder felt Pakistan had offered little attacking threat for much of the match but made the most of their opportunity when it arrived.

"Still, they only created one chance and couldn't create anything else. And that's football, isn't it? They took that one chance and scored a goal, so what else," Hamza added.

Bangladesh had several opportunities to take control of the contest, particularly in the first half, but failed to convert them. Their inability to find the breakthrough eventually proved decisive as Pakistan punished a late defensive error to book a place in their maiden SAFF final.

The hosts had been hoping to end a 23-year wait for the regional title, having last lifted the trophy in 2003. Instead, their campaign ended one step short of the final, leaving Hamza and his teammates to contemplate another painful missed opportunity.