Alajbegović rescues a draw in Džeko’s final international match

Edin Džeko’s Bosnia-Herzegovina farewell ended in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Sweden, as Kerim Alajbegović’s 80th-minute equaliser cancelled out Viktor Gyökeres’ second-half opener.

Sweden began brightly at Stadion Bilino Polje. Gyökeres tested goalkeeper Salko Hamzić with a low effort, then had a goal ruled out by VAR in the 17th minute after the ball struck his arm before he scored. Bosnia supporters thought Džeko had put the hosts ahead before the break, but that goal was disallowed because the ball had gone out of play during the build-up.

Sweden strike, but cannot hold on

Sweden took the lead with their first shot of the second half. Alexander Bernhardsson won possession and sent Gyökeres through, and the forward finished powerfully into the roof of the net.

Bernhardsson, Gyökeres and Besfort Zeneli each had opportunities to extend Sweden’s advantage. Instead, Alajbegović’s in-swinging delivery travelled through the penalty area and found the far corner to level the match.

Gyökeres continued his strong international run, scoring in all three of Sweden’s games during the international break. He became the first player to score in six consecutive Nations League matches, while Sweden remained top of Group B4 after three games.

Džeko leaves as Bosnia’s record scorer

Džeko was given a guard of honour by his team-mates as he left the pitch. He ends his Bosnia career as the national team’s all-time leading appearance-maker, with 152 caps, and top scorer, with 73 goals. The draw denied him a winning send-off, but Alajbegović’s late goal ensured he did not depart with a defeat.

The equaliser also offered a glimpse of a possible new generation for Bosnia: 19-year-old Juventus forward Alajbegović supplied the decisive moment on the night his country farewelled one of its greatest players.