Hong Kong winger Raphael Merkies has vowed to make Bangladesh "pay double" after officials refused to hand over the match ball following his hat-trick in Dhaka. Merkies's dramatic late winner sealed a 4-3 victory for Hong Kong against Bangladesh in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Thursday.

The match was a rollercoaster affair, with Bangladesh taking an early lead through a stunning free-kick from Hamza Choudhury in the 13th minute. However, Hong Kong responded with an equalizer on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Everton Camargo. Merkies, who came on as a substitute, then scored twice in the second half to put Hong Kong in control.

Bangladesh showed resilience, with Sheikh Morsalin and Shamit Shome scoring late goals to level the score. But just as the home crowd thought they had secured a point, Merkies completed his hat-trick in the 101st minute, breaking Bangladeshi hearts.

According to reports, after the match, Bangladesh officials refused to hand over the match ball to Merkies, a customary gesture for a player who scores a hat-trick. This perceived snub has fueled Merkies' determination to inflict more pain on Bangladesh in future encounters.

"Merkies fired a warning shot at Bangladesh on Sunday, vowing to make them pay double after they refused to hand over the match ball following his hat-trick heroics in Dhaka," reports Bangladesh Morning Post.

The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Bangladesh, who had fought back bravely after going behind. Defensive errors proved costly, with lapses in concentration and miscommunication contributing to Hong Kong's goals.

"Individual errors, collective heartbreak," wrote Daily Sun, highlighting the defensive woes that plagued Bangladesh throughout the match. "A heroic Bangladeshi comeback had collapsed into heartbreak in the 101st minute, as a final defensive lapse allowed Hong Kong, China to clinch a 4-3 victory in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers".

The result leaves Bangladesh with just one point from three matches in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers. Hong Kong now top the group with seven points.

Merkies's performance has been widely praised, with many describing him as the best player on the pitch. His hat-trick showcased his clinical finishing and ability to exploit weaknesses in the Bangladesh defense. However, Uddin was rated as the worst player in the game.

The match was filled with drama and incident, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. While Bangladesh showed spirit and determination, ultimately, it was Merkies's heroics that stole the show and left the home side empty-handed.