PHOTO: BFF

SPORTS REPORTER

A late goal from Rakib Hossain rescued Bangladesh as they came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Hong Kong in their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers clash at Kai Tak Stadium yesterday.

A win would have kept Bangladesh’s slim chances of reaching the finals alive, but the second away draw in four matches further complicated the equation for the men in red and green. However, after India’s 2-1 loss to Singapore later in the evening, both Bangladesh and India were eliminated, meaning that either Hong Kong or Singapore will advance from Group C.

Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera made three changes to the starting XI, bringing in Topu Barman, Shamit Shome, and Zayyan Ahmed in place of Taj Uddin, Sohel Rana Jr, and Faisal Ahmed Fahim. Cabrera seemed to prioritise possession, instructing his side to build from the back -- a tactic that backfired in the 34th minute.

Under pressure from Hong Kong’s high press, a miscommunication between Topu and Tariq Kazi saw the latter lose control inside the box and foul Fernando Azevedo. The referee awarded a penalty, which captain Matt Orr converted, sending Mitul Marma the wrong way.

Bangladesh nearly equalised in first-half stoppage time through a move involving Saad Uddin, Hamza Choudhury, and Shamit Shome, but the final effort was blocked.

After the break, Bangladesh grew into the match. In the 51st minute, Saad latched onto a long ball from Topu and unleashed a low drive, only to be denied by Tse Ka Wing’s superb save.

Cabrera introduced Jamal Bhuiyan and Fahamedul Islam to inject urgency. Fahamedul missed a golden chance in the 73rd minute, failing to connect with a waist-high cross from Saad despite losing his marker in front of goal.

Hong Kong were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute when Oliver Benjamin received a second yellow card for a foul on Shamit. Bangladesh seized control, and finally broke through in the 89th minute. Substitute Fahim delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, Fahamedul headed it down, and Rakib Hossain calmly flicked the ball past Tse Ka Wing to earn a dramatic draw and silence the home crowd.