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Chan Kin-wa

Hong Kong will turn their attention to Uzbekistan on Tuesday looking to stay alive in the 2015 Asian Cup qualifiers after another heavy defeat by group leaders United Arab Emirates left their hopes of reaching Australia hanging in the balance.
The Gulf Cup champions maintained their 100 per cent record in group E at the expense of Hong Kong in a 4-0 thrashing at the Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium – the same scoreline they achieved in their away match in Hong Kong a month ago.
The result also guaranteed the Middle East nation their fourth consecutive Asian Cup finals appearance with two rounds of competition left to play.
	Uzbekistan, who beat home side Vietnam 3-0 on Friday night are now three points clear of Hong Kong and the clash between the two in So Kon Po on
Tuesday could decide which team will join UAE to the finals in Australia.
Hong Kong are hoping to make their first Asian Cup finals appearance since 1968.
Should Hong Kong win the encounter, the two sides will be level on seven points.
And if Hong Kong beat Vietnam in their final match in March, they will finish second in the group regardless of Uzbekistan’s result against UAE.
A defeat could, however, spell the end of Hong Kong’s hopes unless they finish as the best third team in all five groups for the last qualifying berth. “I want to congratulate the UAE for their victory. They were the better side,” said Hong Kong coach Kim Pan-gon after the match.
“Despite the defeat, we will not give up and will continue to work hard to try to qualify. “We must try our best to fix the mistakes that we have made.
“I hope that we can score good points in our remaining matches and achieve our target of finishing second in the group.”
Defender Lee Chi-ho, who overcame ‘flu to start against UAE, called on the support of fans for Tuesday’s match.
“The story isn’t over for us despite our defeat.
“We can still go to Australia if we beat Uzbekistan. Come and support us,” he said.
 


Hong Kong will continue fighting for Asian Cup finals place, says coach

UAE's Ismaeil Matar fights for the ball against Hong Kong players during their match in Abu Dhabi. Photo: AFP

Sport

Hong Kong

Football