appConfigEntityId

bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

hooksArticlePageAdvertisementConfigArticle

liveArticle

appConfig

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

sponsorType

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

sectionsV2

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

json

Chan Kin-wa

“Nothing is impossible now” - that was the message from Hong Kong football’s powerbrokers as the team prepares for a final group showdown against leaders Qatar in the World Cup qualifiers after a magnificent performance against rivals China on Tuesday night.
Hong Kong need to beat Qatar - who have won all six of their games and qualified for the next stage - in Doha to have any chance of reaching round three as one of the four best second-placed teams.
Realistically, it’s highly unlikely – but, buoyed by a rousing display in the 0-0 draw against China, the HKFA will do everything they can to help make the dream come true.

WATCH: Hong Kong's soccer heroes share their joy after holding China to a draw again
“Qatar have a hundred per cent record in the campaign so far and have scored 20 unanswered goals,” said chief executive Mark Sutcliffe. “It will be incredibly difficult against them. 
“Getting a point would be miraculous, winning is almost inconceivable – but having said that anything can happen in soccer.
“We have until the end of March to prepare, almost 4 and a half months. In January our elite development coach and new strength and conditioning coach will join us. Together with our existing coaches we will work out a strategy to be as best prepared as possible.”
Hong Kong lead China by three points but they have a game in hand with two home matches left against Maldives and Qatar. If the teams finish level on points, China will be second on goal difference.

Looking toward the long-term, Sutcliffe said the HKFA will try to build on the momentum around the national team, interest in which has risen to levels not seen in years.
“The improvement in our recent performances reflect the changes we have been making over the last few years,” he added. “We are trying to create an environment where nothing is left to chance and have more resources and expertise to identify, nurture and develop talent.
Getting a point would be miraculous, winning is almost inconceivable – but having said that anything can happen in soccer
Mark Sutcliffe
“The two matches against China and the other performances are an indicator that things are improving. The association must build on this and see it as a catalyst for further development.”
Ironically, Hong Kong’s success against China looks like weakening some domestic clubs, with rich mainland counterparts targeting HK’s naturalised foreign-born players.
After catching the eye of mainland scouts in the 0-0 draw in Shenzhen, HK’s team impressed again, with several representatives from the Chinese leagues believed to be in attendance at Mong Kok Stadium.
Centre-half Jean Kilama, who played a key role in stopping China in both games, admitted yesterday he would likely join a Chinese club when the transfer window opens.
“I am still waiting for the negotiation between the two sides and if they agree, I can leave in January,” said the Eastern defender.
“It all started after my performance in the Shenzhen game in September and there have been a lot of offers since then. It is an opportunity I cannot miss in terms of playing environment, rewards and my future development.”
Naturalised Hong Kong players do not take up foreign player slots in China’s domestic competitions – and with mainland clubs able to offer huge salaries, it’s an attractive prospect for both parties – Kilama is being offered a monthly contract worth over HK$200,000 by a club in northern China, perhaps four times his salary at Eastern.
His club and international partner in defence, Festus Baise, is also said to have caught the eye as well as Kitchee trio Alex Akande, Paulinho and Sandro.


2009 East Asian Games football hero Chan Siu-ki hangs up his boots

Xi Jinping’s World Cup dream, tattoo bans and Carlos Tevez: Chinese football in the 2010s

No goals, no fans, no TV: Koreas draw 0-0 in blacked-out World Cup qualifier

Tiny Solomon Islands now ranked ahead of Hong Kong in latest Fifa men’s rankings

2018 Fifa World Cup Asian qualifying

‘Nothing is impossible’ as Hong Kong target unlikely World Cup win in Qatar after China heroics

A Hong Kong Fan waves a flag that reads "Die for Hong Kong" during a world cup qualifier at Mong Kok stadium in Hong Kong on November 17, 2015. Hong Kong fans booed the anthem they share with China on Tuesday while some turned their backs and held up "boo" signs in a show of defiance before a crunch World Cup football qualifier with their mainland rivals.. AFP PHOTO / ISAAC LAWRENCE

Hong Kong fans cheer after Hong Kong held China to a nil all draw at Mong Kok stadium in Hong Kong on November 17, 2015. Hong Kong fans booed the anthem they share with China while some turned their backs and held up "boo" signs in a show of defiance before a crunch World Cup football qualifier with their mainland rivals. AFP PHOTO / ISAAC LAWRENCE

Hong Kong player (L) Alessandro Ferreira Leonardo dribbles the ball past Chinese player Yu Hai (R) during a world cup qualifier at Mong Kok stadium in Hong Kong on November 17, 2015. Hong Kong fans booed the anthem they share with China on Tuesday while some turned their backs and held up "boo" signs in a show of defiance before a crunch World Cup football qualifier with their mainland rivals.. AFP PHOTO / ISAAC LAWRENCE

Hong Kong players and coach Kim Pangon (2nd R) acknowledge supporters after drawing against China in their World Cup qualifying soccer match in Hong Kong, China November 17, 2015. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Chinese player Yang Xu (L) is challenged by Hong Kong player Jean Jacques Kilama during a world cup qualifier at Mong Kok stadium in Hong Kong on November 17, 2015. Hong Kong fans booed the anthem they share with China on Tuesday while some turned their backs and held up "boo" signs in a show of defiance before a crunch World Cup football qualifier with their mainland rivals.. AFP PHOTO / ISAAC LAWRENCE

China's Wu Lei (L) and Hong Kong's Cheung Kin-fung leap for the ball in front of the scoreboard during the 2018 World Cup qualifying match between Hong Kong and China, in Hong Kong, China November 17, 2015. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

‘Nothing is impossible’ as Hong Kong target unlikely World Cup win in Qatar after China heroics

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Hong Kong need to win in Doha to have any chance of reaching the next round

Hong Kong need to win in Doha to have any chance of reaching the next round