Bangladesh’s hopes of overcoming the qualifying hurdle to play in the main phase of the Asia Cup are almost over. The men in red and green were held to a 1-1 draw by Hong Kong in the third-round return leg match at the Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday.

Having lost 4-3 in the first leg at home last week, Javier Cabrera’s men needed a win to stay alive in the qualification race but failed to deliver despite a determined second-half display.

With the draw, Bangladesh remain at the bottom of Group C with two points from four matches. Hong Kong lead the table with eight points from as many games, while Singapore sit second with five points from three matches. India are third with two points from three outings.

Matt Orr put the hosts ahead in the 36th minute, converting from the penalty spot after Bangladeshi defender Tariq brought down Fernando Pereira inside the box. Hong Kong could have doubled their lead before halftime, but a vital defensive clearance kept the visitors in the contest.

Cabrera made tactical substitutions in the second half, bringing on captain Jamal Bhuiyan and Fahamidul Islam to add attacking intent. The effort paid off in the 83rd minute when Rakib Hossain struck the equalizer, finishing from close range after a headed assist from Fahamidul off a left-wing cross by Faisal Ahmed Fahim.

Bangladesh lose 4-3 to Hong Kong as last-minute goal dashes Asian Cup hopes

Earlier, Hong Kong were reduced to 10 men in the 75th minute when defender Oliver Gerbig received his second yellow card, giving Bangladesh a numerical advantage.

Despite pressing hard in the closing stages, the men in red and green failed to find the winning goal, ending the match with just one point and seeing their qualification hopes fade away.

The result leaves Bangladesh with only two points from four matches, effectively ending their dream of playing in the Asian Cup finals.