HK beats Bangladesh 4-3 with stoppage-time winner in Asian Cup qualifier

Hong Kong's football team secured a dramatic 4-3 away victory against Bangladesh in their Asian Cup third-round qualifier on Wednesday, with Raphael Merkies completing a hat-trick in the 10th minute of stoppage time.

Bangladesh took an early lead when Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury scored from a free kick in the 12th minute. Everton Camargo equalized for Hong Kong during first-half stoppage time.

Merkies, brought on at halftime, made an immediate impact by putting Hong Kong ahead 2-1 in the 49th minute. He extended the lead to 3-1 in the 73rd minute following an assist from Camargo.

Bangladesh mounted a late comeback, scoring in the 83rd minute and equalizing in the sixth minute of stoppage time before Merkies secured the victory with his third goal.

The win gives Hong Kong seven points from three matches, placing them atop Group C, two points ahead of Singapore. Hong Kong will host Bangladesh at Kai Tak Sports Park next Tuesday.