The first half between the top two sides in League B, Group 4 was notable for two disallowed goals. Sweden thought they had taken the lead through Viktor Gyökeres in the 19th minute, but the striker had handled the ball before beating home goalkeeper Salko Hamzic.
Džeko then looked to have marked his farewell in perfect fashion. Deep into first-half stoppage time, the 40-year-old met a knock-down from Stuttgart’s Ermedin Demirovic inside the box and volleyed home on the turn. The goal was ruled out, however, with Kerim Alajbegovic’s cross deemed to have gone out of play beforehand.
Gyökeres did eventually put Sweden ahead shortly after the break (61’). Moments later, the entire Bosnia and Herzegovina team formed a guard of honour for Džeko as he left the pitch for the final time in international football. The hosts continued to push for an equaliser and got their reward in the 80th minute. Alajbegovic sent a cross towards Nikola Katic and, although the Schalke centre-back did not get a touch, the ball found its way into the net to make it 1-1.
Bosnia and Herzegovina have one more home game in the UEFA Nations League before the return of club football. Sergej Barbarez’s side host third-placed Poland in Zenica on Monday (5/10), with Bosnia going into the game one point ahead of them in second place. Kick-off is at 20:45 CEST.
Hee Chan Hwang was an unused substitute as South Korea drew 0-0 with Venezuela on Friday (2/10). Their final friendly of the current international break comes against Uzbekistan on Tuesday (6/10). Kick-off in Yongin is at 12:00 CEST.