Calm before Hong Kong takeoff

Bangladesh national football team looked a picture of quiet reflection at the UCB Lounge inside Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Friday, before boarding their flight to Hong Kong, China, for the return leg of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Photo: BFF

Just a day earlier, the same players had fought their hearts out in a 4-3 losing battle at the National Stadium in Dhaka -- a match that swung wildly between hope and heartbreak.

Bangladesh midiflelders Shamit Shome and Hamza Choudhury celebrate scoring against Hong Kong, China after Shamit headed home to level the game at 3-3 in the stoppage time at Dhaka's National Stadium on October 9, 2025. Photo: BFF

Now, away from the floodlights, the atmosphere was noticeably calmer.

Photo: BFF

Some players sat with headphones on, lost in thought or scrolling through their phones; others chatted softly over cups of coffee.

Photo: BFF

Hamza Choudhury, who had set the tone with his early goal on Thursday night, was seen smiling faintly, while Shamit Shome and Jamal Bhuyan looked sharp as ever.

Photo: BFF

It was a moment to breathe, to reset, and to gather strength before another battle awaits at Kowloon's Kai Tak Sports Park on October 14.

Photo: BFF