Hong Kong's final 22-man squad left the SAR for Guangzhou yesterday on a mission - to win a fourth straight Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup tomorrow. National coach Tsang Wai-chung trimmed his squad to 22 players from 26 and there were no surprises as to who failed to make the final list.
Those who were left out of the Hong Kong League XI were Buler Rangers' goalkeeper Goldbert Chiu Chi, Sun Hei midfielder Law Chun-bong, Fukien forward Man Kim-hung and Rangers defender Chan Yiu-lun.
Tsang took the opportunity to thank the four players who showed 'dedication' and 'enthusiasm' during the past month in training but added: 'We needed to trim the squad to 22 players and not everybody can make the squad. There will be a few who will be left disappointed but that is football.'
Tsang believes he has the right blend of local players and expatriates in the competition that is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The first leg will held at the People's Stadium in Guangzhou with the return leg the following Sunday at Hong Kong Stadium.
'We have a good squad that should hold their own against the Guangdong team. Our confidence is high but we have to remember that we have won the cup for three straight years and Guangdong will be trying very hard to regain it. It's not going to be easy,' said Tsang.
Six foreign players have been included in the squad. They are Happy Valley defender Gerard Ambassa Guy, South China centre-back Cristiano Cordeiro, Sun Hei forward Cornelius Udebuluzor, Buler Rangers winger Kim Pan-gon and South China striker Rochi Putiray.
