Hong Kong players ready for Bangladesh challenge

Mahama Awal, a Cameroonian-born naturalised forward for Hong Kong, China, is expecting a tough challenge from Bangladesh in front of a packed National Stadium in Dhaka on October 9.

However, he insists that Hong Kong are strong, focused, and ready to claim all three points in their crucial away fixture of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

"We've heard Bangladesh is a very difficult place to go, but we're strong and ready. We'll go there full of energy and positivity, and give everything to win… we need the points to qualify," Awal told the South China Morning Post.

The winger, who missed last month's King's Cup matches against Iraq and Fiji due to injury, has been recalled for the Bangladesh tie. His comments come amid a surge in local interest, with 19,000 tickets for the 22,200-capacity National Stadium selling out in just 24 minutes.

"I'm so happy to come back and I'm ready to perform," said Awal, who has 14 international appearances for Hong Kong. He was one of the standout performers in the second half against India, a match Hong Kong won 1–0.

Hong Kong currently sit joint top of their group alongside Singapore with four points each, and are aiming to secure back-to-back qualifications for the Asian Cup in China. A pair of victories over Bangladesh would significantly strengthen their chances.

Brazilian-born striker Juninho echoed Awal's confidence, backing Hong Kong to handle the pressure in the two potentially decisive qualifiers.

"Every game we play for Hong Kong is important, but if we beat Bangladesh twice it will be a big step in the group for us," Juninho told the South China Morning Post.

"We know how big this competition is for everybody. We will fight and give our all to qualify," said the 34-year-old striker, looking ahead to the return leg at the sold-out 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium on 14 October.

Meanwhile, Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury joined the Bangladesh camp yesterday, just hours after arriving in Dhaka following a long journey from England.

Choudhury appeared cheerful during his first training session at the National Stadium, sharing smiles with teammates during the 15 minutes of practice that were open to the media. However, head coach Javier Cabrera did not allow any players to speak to the press.

The tie against Hong Kong is a do-or-die match for Bangladesh. A defeat to Hong Kong -- a team Bangladesh have never beaten -- would all but end their hopes of progressing to the final round of qualification.