In 2001, Mongolia started warming up to international football, following four decades of self-imposed international isolation. At the time, Mongolia played in a World Cup qualifying campaign for the first time and they were in the same group as Bangladesh, Vietnam and hosts Saudi Arabia.

Bangladesh had won the first leg of the double round-robin format 3-0 before the two teams met again in the last match of the campaign. And Bangladesh were leading 2-1, thanks to a brace from Mohammad Sujan. But Mongolia snatched an unlikely draw, with Boldyn Buman-Uchral scoring with a spectacular volley in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

The whole nation of Mongolia was swept into euphoria. Watching that match on TV, the youngsters instantly realised football was their destiny. Mongolian football superstar, Boldyn Buman-Uchral, now technical director of the team, scored in the 94th minute of the match, Mongolians all went crazy with joy. Since then, becoming a footballer has become dream for many young Mongolians.

After two decades, Mongolian men football team encountered against Bangladesh. Mongolian national football team captain Tsend-Ayuush Khurelbaatar had earned their first point in international football. The Mongolia captain, who has played 32 international matches since his debut in 2007.

“I heard cricket is the most popular sport in Bangladesh, but in Mongolia it’s wrestling,” Khurelbaatar said as he reminisced that glorious day with fondness at a press conference in Sylhet on Monday, ahead of their FIFA friendly against Bangladesh.

The Mongolia captain said he wants to make tomorrow’s game a memorable one too as the two countries meet again for the first time since that fateful encounter in Dammam 21 years ago.