Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Oct 9, 2025 (BSS)- Despite taking lead early, Bangladesh suffered an shocking 4-3 goal defeat to Hong Kong China in their crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifiers held in front of the passionate crowds at National Stadium here this night. 

With this defeat, Bangladesh hope of qualifying in the final round of the Asian Cup crumbled while Hong Kong boosted its chances of playing in the Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia next year. 

Hong Kong started strongly and went attack early in the 7th minute. Forward Matt Orr after taking a pass from Soares, darting down from the left wing and took an angular shot from the danger zone but the ball went out of play beside the right side bar.

The early breakthrough however came for Bangladesh in the 13th minute following a eye-catching free kick taken by Hamza Choudhury. 

The English Premier League midfielder took a powerful angular free kick from the top of the box that crashed into the back of the net after deflecting head of the Hong Kong's defender with the home crowds from the big bowl immediately busted into joy following the well-deserved lead. 

It was Hamza's second goal wearing Bangladesh Jersey after the first one against Bhutan in the friendly match in June and yet another example of his clinical finishing.  
 
After conceding the goal early, Hong Kong China were desperately trying to stage a fight back in the match creating scoring chances but failed to convert any lacks of proper finishing. 

However their best moment came seconds before the end of first half with forward Everton equalized from handshake distance, frustrating the passionate local fans in the big bowl, following a well-worked corner routine from the left wing.
 
The heaven opened for Hong Kong after the resumption with substitute Raphael Markies played the architect making no mistakes from the close range in the 49th minute, giving the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Raphael, further widened Hong Kong's margin scoring his second and third goal in the in the 74th minute.

Bangladesh reduced the margin in the 85th minute through Sheikh Morsalin and Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome leveled the margin with a header from close range in the dying moment, sparking hopes of a dramatic comeback, but Raphael once again crushed all hope of Bangladesh completing his hat-trick, few seconds before the final whistle.

Earlier, Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome, forward Fahamedul Islam have been kept out of the starting eleven for the Bangladesh against Hong Kong in the crucial match.

Midfielder Sohel Rana wore the armband in the day's vital match in replace of regular captain Jamal Bhuyan who was also kept out from the starting eleven.

Super star Hamza Choudhury led the midfield along with another midfielder Sohel Rana Sr, Sohel Rana Jr while Tariq Raihan Kazi, Shakil Topu, Saad Uddin and Taj Uddin will manage the defense. Rakib Hossain and Faisal Ahmed Fahim will lead the front.

Bangladesh XI - Shakil Topu, Sheikh Morsalin, Hamza Choudhury, Rakib Hossain, Foysal Ahmed, Mitul Marma, Tariq Raihan, Taj Uddin, Md Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana (captain) and Saad Uddin.