Late Rakib strike salvages draw for Bangladesh against 10-man Hong Kong

Bangladesh clawed back from a penalty setback to snatch a point late against a 10-man Hong Kong, thanks to a perfectly placed finish by Rakib Hossain, keeping their Asian Cup qualification hopes faintly alive.

Bangladesh had lost the first leg 4-3 at the National Stadium in Paltan on Thursday, leaving them at the bottom of Group C with just two points. Hong Kong remain top with eight points.

The point from Tuesday’s 1-1 draw in the return leg at the Kai Tai Sports Park on Tuesday was crucial for Bangladesh to maintain any hope of qualification.

Javier Cabrera named Zayyan Ahmed, Shamit Shome, and Topu Barman in his starting eleven. Bangladesh began with a compact defensive structure, absorbing Hong Kong’s early attacks without exposing Mitul Marm.

In the 22nd minute, Shomit’s surge was halted as a Hong Kong defender pulled his jersey, before the resulting freekick by Hamza Choudhury crashed into the wall.

With Hong Kong relentlessly pressing forward, defender Kazi Tariq Raihan’s miscontrol and hurried attempt to retrieve a teammate’s pass led to a foul on Pereira in the box, conceding the penalty. Matt Orr slotted it home with Mitul Marma diving the other way.

Bangladesh narrowly avoided further danger in the 44th minute, as a glancing ball eluded Mitul’s gloves but was cleared by a defender.

After the break, Cabrera made two changes, bringing on Jamal Bhuiyan and Fahamidul Islam for Zayyan and Sohel Rana.

Fahmidul injected pace in Bangladesh’s attack, firing a powerful shot in the 67th minute, forcing a save by the Hong Kong keeper.

Hong Kong suffered a setback in the 75th minute as defender Oliver Gerbig received a second yellow, and Bangladesh took advantage of the thinner Hong Kong backline, finding the equaliser eight minutes later.

Fahim’s left-footed cross was met by Fahamidul’s header, laying the ball perfectly for Rakib, who finished with precision.

Despite late pressure, Bangladesh could not find a winner, leaving them with the consolation of a point on Hong Kong soil.