Dhaka: Bangladesh, came from behind, forced ten men Hong Kong to play a 1-1 draw in their away tie of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers held at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong today (Tuesday). A late goal from forward Rakib Hossain helped Bangladesh to salvage some pride following a heart-breaking 4-3 defeat in their home match held last week in Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, with the day’s outcome, Bangladesh hopes to qualify for the final round of the Asian Cup, ending with two points from four matches, while Hong Kong has brightened their chance to qualify for the next round with eight points from the same number of matches. Hong Kong took the lead from a penalty in the 35th minute. The Japanese referee awarded the spot kick in favor of Hong Kong China when defender Tariq Raihan brought down a Hong Kong forward in the danger zone. Forward and captain Matthew Orr made no mistake in converting the spot kick.
After the resumption, Javier Cabrera’s side desperately tried to stage a fight back in the match, creating some chances but failing due to a lack of proper finishing. Hong Kong was reduced to ten men by the referee as defender Oliver Gerbig was shown a red card in the 76th minute following his double yellow cards.
Taking this opportunity, Bangladesh took advantage of the extra player and fought back in the match. Fahamedul Islam headed a cross from the left inside the box to Rakib Hossain, who sent the ball home with his right foot from close range. Bangladesh played very controlled football in the second half but missed several scoring opportunities. Although Fahmidul contributed a goal in the 83rd minute, he himself missed the easiest chance of the day.
Earlier, coach Javier Cabrera made three changes in the starting eleven. Defender Topu Barman, midfielder Shamit Shome, and American expatriate Zayyan Ahmed were included in the playing eleven, replacing Taj Uddin, Sohel Rana Jr, and Faisal Ahmed Fahim, who featured in the home match. Tapu Barman, who played in the second half due to injury in the home match, got his place back and also the captain’s armband in place of regular skipper Jamal Bhuyan, who was again kept out of the playing eleven.
Bangladesh squad – Shakil Topu, Topu Barman, Sheikh Morsalin, Hamza Choudhury, Rakib Hossain, Mitul Marma, Tariq Raihan, Sohel Rana, Zayyan Ahmed, Saad Uddin, and Shamir Shome.