Hong Kong’s hopes of taking a significant step towards qualifying for the Asian Cup finals suffered a blow today after Bangladesh grabbed a late equaliser to draw 1-1 at Kai Tak Stadium.
Matt Orr’s first-half penalty put the hosts in front but the 76th-minute dismissal of Hong Kong defender Oliver Gerbig put Ashley Westwood’s side on the back foot and they could not hang on, Rakib Hossain netting the leveller with six minutes remaining.
The stalemate means Hong Kong remain top of Group C but they could be overtaken by Singapore if they win in India later in the day.
It was a disappointing outcome for Hong Kong, who were roared on by a passionate crowd of over 45,000.
The fans did their best to inject some life into a sterile first half with the away side happy to keep the ball but unable to make much headway going forward against a Hong Kong side that were tigerish in the press.
Kazi error hands Hong Kong the advantage
The breakthrough finally came in the 36th minute but not thanks to Hong Kong’s creativity.
Bangladesh defender Tariq Kazi mis-controlled a ball inside his own area and, in trying to make amends, only succeeded in hauling down Fernando. Orr stepped up and slotted neatly into the right-hand corner.
The hosts appeared quite content to sit on their lead with visiting goalkeeper Mitul Marma rarely tested.
The closest Hong Kong came to adding a second was when Fernando lofted a shot onto the roof of the net after more sloppy defensive work from Bangladesh.
Fahamedul Islam ought to have levelled matters but somehow contrived to miss his kick in front of goal but Bangladesh were offered more encouragement when Gerbig was shown a second yellow card for a poorly-timed tackle on Saad Uddin.
Bangladesh poured forward and got their reward late on when Islam nodded a cross back across goal and Hossain was on hand to tap home.
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