‘All must prove themselves’ for Hong Kong contest

Bangladesh are aiming for a clean slate in their Asian Cup Qualifiers third round tie against Hong Kong, China with players stressing the need for focus, discipline, and execution.

Midfielder Sohel Rana Sr highlighted the importance of learning from mistakes in the previous match -- a 2-1 to Singapore at home -- while goalkeeper Mitul Marma underlined the challenge ahead and the urgency of delivering a strong performance on October 9 to keep qualification hopes alive.

Speaking at the National Stadium yesterday, Sohel said the men in red and green began their session with warm-ups and stretching, but heavy afternoon rain forced them to cut training short.

Reflecting on the Singapore defeat, Sohel admitted lapses cost the team: "We made some mistakes against Singapore, who did not give us any opportunities to come back in the match.

"It will be difficult if we can't carry out our tasks, but we believe in our team. We have the confidence to win against Hong Kong."

Hong Kong sit second in Group C with four points, level with leaders Singapore, while Bangladesh are third with one point, just above India on goal difference. Since their 1-0 win over India in June, Hong Kong have played five internationals -- against Japan, South Korea, China, Iraq and Fiji, beating only the latter -- whereas Bangladesh have only played Nepal, with the match ending in a goalless draw.

Bangladesh goalkeepers before the scheduled practice session. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Bangladesh have never beaten Hong Kong in four previous meetings, though they managed two draws. "It will be a big challenge," goalkeeper Mitul said before the training session began. "We must do well to progress to the next round. Our focus is on winning, not rankings."

Mitul also acknowledged the internal competition for positions, particularly after criticism for conceding two goals against Singapore.

"There is competition in every spot; everyone must prove themselves. As we did not play against Hong Kong for a long time, we are preparing by studying their previous matches. The home match is crucial, but we will aim to bring both match results in our favour," he added.

Sohel welcomed the internal competition as a strength rather than a challenge. "Two to four players in each position create healthy competition; it builds the squad's collective strength," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohammedan Sporting Club reversed their decision to release players 72 hours before the tie following talks with the officials of Bangladesh Football Federation. All six players have now joined the camp, with coach Cabrera also calling up goalkeeper Pappu Hossain, who, alongside Italy-based Fahamedul Islam, joined the camp yesterday.