In this photo released by the Hong Kong Football Association, players of Hong Kong China and Turkmenistan vie for the ball during the Group E match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifying tournament second stage in Hong Kong on Nov 21, 2023.

HONG KONG - Hong Kong, China fought back twice to hold Turkmenistan 2-2 in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Zone qualifying tournament second stage here on Tuesday.

Hong Kong, China crumbled to a 4-0 defeat to Iran in the opening round, while Turkmenistan were turned around by Uzbekistan 3-1.

The away side took a dream start as Ruslan Mingazow, who played for HK Premier League side Kitchee, found the back of the net just four minutes into the game.

ALSO READ: HK, China football team finish fourth in bronze medal clash

Hong Kong, China showed their resilience as Everton Camargo's strike in the 65th minute helped the home side secure one point

Hong Kong, China scored the leveler eight minutes later when Yue Tze-nam whipped in from the right, and Wong Wai steered his header into the net.

Turkmenistan restored the lead in the 36th minute when Mingazow beat goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai with a twisting header.

However, Hong Kong, China showed their resilience as Everton Camargo's strike in the 65th minute helped the home side secure one point.

Hong Kong, China will host Uzbekistan in Group E in March 2024.

READ MORE: Cambodia draws HK, China in international football friendly

In the second stage of the Asian qualifying tournament, 36 teams have been divided into nine groups competing in a home-and-away round-robin format. The top two of each group will advance to the third stage.