Hong Kong's Asian Cup hopes hang by a thread

Hong Kong's hopes of qualifying for the 2011 Asian Cup have all but ended after they slid to their second successive defeat in the preliminary round, losing 1-0 to Yemen in Sana'a.

A goal by Al Selwi just after half-time was enough to give the hosts victory and push Hong Kong to the brink of elimination from the four-team group, which also comprises high-flying Bahrain and Japan.

Hong Kong had lost 3-1 to Bahrain last week, and following the loss to Yemen, are bottom of group A. Bahrain top the standings after they defeated Japan 1-0 in Manama.