Seven-goal thriller ends in heartbreak for Bangladesh

Star man Hamza Choudhury found the net and Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shome struck in extra time, but Bangladesh failed to get the better of Hong Kong, China, losing 4-3 in an entertaining AFC Asian Cup Qualifier at the National Stadium today.

Raphael Merkies made a hat-trick with a last-minute strike to silence the home crowd.

The defeat leaves Bangladesh's hopes of progressing in disarray, with two defeats and a draw meaning they have just one point so far. Hong Kong, meanwhile, moved to the top of the standings with seven points after Singapore and India played out a 1-1 draw.

Bangladesh got off to a flying start when Hamza curled one in from a free-kick on the left side to give the hosts the lead in the 13th minute. The midfielder kept it on target with pace, and it took a deflection off the head of an onrushing defender before finding the net.

The goal acted as a tonic for Javier Cabrera's troops as they pressed higher—unlike their usual low block—and even enjoyed a fair share of possession in the first 30 minutes. Having warded off some pressure from the visitors, Bangladesh were undone just four minutes into first-half stoppage time when a comedy of errors saw them fail to clear a corner, allowing Hong Kong to equalise. Everton Camargo simply tapped in after Faisal Ahmed Fahim's aimless header fell at his feet following a scramble inside the box.

The second half was a different story for the hosts, who had to withstand long periods of pressure. This culminated in Hong Kong taking the lead in the 50th minute when substitute Raphael Merkies slotted home from close range, silencing the packed stands while Hong Kong's small travelling section erupted in delight.

Cabrera made three changes in response, bringing on Shamit Shome, Jamal Bhuiyan, and Fahemedul Islam in search of an equaliser. However, it did not pay dividends immediately as the men in red and green ended up conceding again soon after.

Everton poked the ball through the legs of a tentative Saad Uddin inside the box for the onrushing Merkies, who slotted home with ease for his brace, giving Hong Kong a 3-1 lead in the 74th minute. The goal dampened spirits in the stands and prompted many to head for the exits—but some were forced to turn back 10 minutes later as Sheikh Morsalin pounced on a fumble from the goalkeeper to pull one back.

Then Shamit made it 3-3 with a brave effort in extra time, sparking hopes of a dramatic comeback, before hat-trick hero Merkies stunned Cabrera's men with his third of the night in the dying moments to seal a 4-3 win for Hong Kong.