Still possible? Bangladesh’s Asian Cup hopes hangs by a thread

Bangladesh held Hong Kong, China to a 1-1 draw in their AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers third-round fixture at Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon on Tuesday, thanks to an equaliser from Rakib Hossain that kept their faint qualification hopes alive.

Bangladesh remain bottom of Group C with two points from four matches, while Hong Kong lead the group with eight from as many games.

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Rakib salvages draw in Hong Kong

Javier Cabrera's side must now win their remaining two fixtures and rely on favourable outcomes in all remaining other Group C matches, beginning with hosts India's clash against Singapore tonight at 8 pm.

For Bangladesh to have any realistic chance of advancing, India would need to win both of their matches against Singapore and Hong Kong, while Hong Kong must lose to Singapore -- leaving all teams tied on eight points after six games on March 31 next year. Qualification would then be decided on goal difference, meaning Cabrera's men must produce not just wins, but emphatic ones.

Bangladesh will next face India at home on November 18.