A depleted Hong Kong under-23 team will need to beat Syria to keep their Olympic hopes alive when the two sides meet in a group B qualifying match at Hong Kong Stadium tonight.
Having lost their opening match to Japan in Tokyo two weeks ago, the SAR squad need nothing less than a victory at home in order to finish in the top two of the group, which includes Malaysia.
'I know a draw will not be enough as we need to win to boost our hopes for next year's Olympic Games, but it is going to be difficult as we have a long casualty and suspension list,' coach Kenny Lai Sun-cheung said.
'We need to play to the standard we managed in the interport match against Guangdong in January when we won 4-2 at home, or we will have little chance.'
Defender Tong Kin-man of Happy Valley received his second yellow card in the match against Japan, while Citizen midfielder Leung Chun-pong was given his marching orders in the same match. Both players will miss tonight's match.
Sweeper Lin Junsheng and centre half Li Hang-wui are also doubtful. Lin is still suffering from a fever, while Li hurt his head during training.
