Hong Kong

Returning to Asia’s premier continental tournament for the first time since 1968, Hong Kong qualified via the third qualification round after recovering from a shaky 4-0 loss versus India with back-to-back victories over Cambodia and Afghanistan.

What to expect

As a result of their qualifying triumph, the team have been placed in Group C alongside Iran, Palestine and the UAE.

Having not featured in the tournament in over 50 years, it is difficult to predict Hong Kong’s Asian Cup destiny, except that they certainly enter as underdogs. Equipped with a roster of untested talent alongside tried-and-tested experience, Hong Kong face a stern test as the lowest-ranked team in Group C by some distance.

Hong Kong enter the competition off the back of an unprecedented victory over China, who are ranked almost 70 places better off in FIFA’s official rankings.

With three wins in the team’s last six games, headlined by the statement victory over nine-man China accompanied by 4-0 and 10-0 drubbings of Bhutan and Brunei respectively, Hong Kong are in a good place to cause an upset this group stage.

The team’s home record shows that the majority of wins picked up in recent months have been in Hong Kong, so the tournament’s neutral setting could play a major role.

Star players

Michael Debulozor (pictured below) tops the list for young stars to look out for amongst Hong Kong’s line-up.

The 19-year-old, who is also eligible to play for Nigeria, scored twice in five games for his country, summarised by a crucial brace versus Bhutan to help his team advance to the next round of World Cup qualifiers.

Plying his trade in Germany for Ingolstadt II, the 2004-born forward has been in fine goalscoring form – scoring eight and assisting once inside 10 games.

Everton Camargo (pictured below) has been equally crucial in recent matches for Hong Kong, scoring four goals in as many games on his team’s route to the AFC Asian Cup. The 1991-born forward’s form has been undeniable in the buildup to the tournament, but his lack of experience against top teams, such as fellow Group C competitors Iran, could be his undoing.

Similarly, 2000-born Poon Pui Hin (pictured below) only has a handful of games under his belt for Hong Kong, but has made his name scoring two crucial goals versus rivals China during their match on New Year’s Day.

Between Camargo, Poon and Udebuluzor, Hong Kong have a wealth of untested talent eager to prove themselves on the biggest stage.

Manager

Heading into the tournament, Hong Kong are managed by head coach Jørn Andersen, formerly head coach of North Korea.

In December 2021, the Norwegian was appointed as the head coach of Hong Kong, succeeding Mixu Paatelainen. As part of his first act as manager in June 2022, he successfully led the Hong Kong Team in qualifying for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup – the first time the team have competed in the competition since 1968.

At the peak of his management career during his tenure at 2. Bundesliga outfit Mainz 05 from 2008-2009, he directed the team to promotion to the Bundesliga. Andersen spent the majority of his playing and managing career in the Bundesliga, even being named the league’s top scorer in 1990 during his playing days.

Decorated with 20 years of management experience alongside a fruitful playing career in one of Europe’s top leagues, Andersen has been brave with his player selection, choosing to trust young talent breaking through.

Schedule

UAE vs Hong Kong – 14th January 2024 – 17:30 – Khalifa International Stadium

Hong Kong vs Iran – 19th January 2024 – 20:30 – Khalifa International Stadium

Hong Kong vs Palestine – 23rd January 2024 – 18:00 – Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium

Squad