Summary of the Hong Kong vs Bangladesh match
Hong Kong goes into tomorrow’s Asian Cup qualifier against Bangladesh knowing that victory, followed by victory over Singapore next month, will secure their place in the finals.
Ashley Westwood’s men took a giant step towards qualification with Thursday’s dramatic 4-3 win in Dhaka, with Rafael Merkees scoring the winner with the last kick of the game after the hosts had equalized nine minutes into stoppage time.
“It’s been a roller coaster for everyone involved,” Westwood told the South China Morning Post. “We have to respect Bangladesh, they played good football and caused us problems. I’m sure they will give us another tough match (in Kai Tak). We have to be at our best to achieve results and that will not change at home.”
Former Burnley midfielder Westwood is now desperate for Hong Kong to get the job done as soon as possible, and secure a place in Saudi Arabia within two years.
Six points from their next two games will mean they can go to India for their final group game knowing the job is done.
“We have a chance to get two big results and maybe go to India and get some rest,” Westwood added.
He added, “The players have the same spirit that I and the technical staff have. We never say we will die and we fight until the end, just like our fans and Hong Kong in general. Our will to win made us cross the line (in Bangladesh).”
Merkies will be keen to make another big impression after revealing he did not come out with the match ball last week.
“I tried to ask for the ball but they were not willing to give it to me,” said Shandong Taishan winger. “I also went to the ball boys, but no one wanted to hand it over.
“It was a crazy night, but the job is only half done and we have to refocus, because this match is no less important.”
Bangladesh is at the bottom of the third group and has not yet won. But a win at Kai Tak Stadium would suddenly put them back in the competition.
Coach Javier Cabrera was frustrated by his team’s defensive lapses that contributed to their defeat last week, but said they will be ready to fight tomorrow.
Cabrera said: “By analyzing the video and the match, frankly, the plan was executed perfectly by the players. We made some mistakes that cost us the match, but in general, the defensive and offensive strategies worked well.”
“We will make some small adjustments to prepare again and fight for the win.”
The visitors will have once again tested Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury available for the match after he opted to play for Bangladesh earlier this year.
“Hamza is a leader on and off the pitch – a player who has been guiding his teammates from the beginning, as you saw the other day on the pitch,” Cabrera added.
“We are also very lucky to have leaders like Jamal (Bhuiyan), Toppo (Barman) and Sohail (Rana). They are all leaders and we are lucky to have Hamza among them as well.”
Team news for Hong Kong vs Bangladesh match
Hong Kong will have to make a change in goal after Yap Hong Fai tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the second leg.
Bangladesh could have Canada-based midfielder Shamit Shomi available to start after he came on as a substitute in the second leg last week and got on the scoresheet.
Tupou is also likely to start after injury prevented him from the bench on Thursday.
The expected lineup for the Hong Kong vs. Bangladesh match
Hong Kong: 3rd; Jones, German, Guy, Chan; God, Chun, Man; Merces, Camargo, dude
Bangladesh: Marma, Kazi, Toupo, T Odin, S Odin, Choudhury, Mursalien, SR Rana, Rana Junior, Rakib, Fahim.
How to watch Hong Kong vs Bangladesh match
The Hong Kong vs Bangladesh match kicks off at 1pm UK time tomorrow.
You can watch it on the bet365 app in the UK.
Predict the result of the Hong Kong vs Bangladesh match
The home team will have enthusiastic crowd support at Kai Tak Stadium, but that brings pressure.
We expect Bangladesh to receive a draw that will not do much for their qualification hopes, but will restore some pride after last week’s disappointment.
Prediction: Hong Kong 2-2 Bangladesh
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