Bangladesh kept their slim hopes of progressing in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers alive after earning a 1-1 draw against 10-man Hong Kong, China at the Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday.
Despite dominating possession in the second half and playing with a numerical advantage for the final quarter, Javier Cabrera’s men failed to find the winning goal that could have strengthened their qualification chances.
The hosts went ahead midway through the first half when Bangladesh defender Tariq Kazi brought down an opponent inside the penalty area. Hong Kong, China captain Matthew Orr made no mistake from the spot in the 35th minute, sending goalkeeper Mitul Marma the wrong way to put his side 1-0 up.
The goal allowed the hosts to dictate play for much of the opening half, while Bangladesh struggled to create clear chances despite showing intent through Rakib Hossain and Shekh Morsalin.
After the break, Bangladesh came out with renewed urgency.
Their persistence gained momentum in the 76th minute when Hong Kong defender Oliver Gerbig received a second yellow card and was sent off for a foul in midfield. The red card gave Cabrera’s side the spark they needed, and they capitalised eight minutes later.
In the 84th minute, substitute Fahamedul Islam nodded down a cross from the left for Rakib Hossain, who calmly slotted home with his right foot to restore parity.
Bangladesh pushed hard in the dying minutes, even introducing an extra forward in stoppage time, but Hong Kong, China stood firm to preserve a point.
The draw leaves Bangladesh on the brink of elimination from Group C, with only a complex set of results elsewhere capable of keeping their Asian Cup dream alive.
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