Editorial | Glory night for Hong Kong football must be start of something special
Pressure has to be kept up as dramatic victory against India at new Kai Tak Stadium attracts 42,000 ecstatic fans
Every new sports arena, no matter how impressive, needs to bear witness to memorable events to become an iconic venue revered by fans. On Tuesday night, Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium played host to such an occasion. The city’s football team snatched a dramatic last-gasp victory over India in a crucial match, cheered on by more than 42,000 ecstatic fans. As Hong Kong’s head coach Ashley Westwood said, it will be talked about for years to come. But there is still work to be done.
The atmosphere was of a kind rarely seen at football matches in the city. The aim must be to ensure that the victory – and the celebrations accompanying it – are not a one-off. It should be the start of something special.
Westwood has come under fire from fans. His name was booed before the match kicked off. Supporters have taken issue with his team selection, objecting to a perceived preference for naturalised players, as well as a recent goal drought.
The coach has, however, led the team on a run of 10 successive international games without defeat. Most wins have been against lower-ranked opponents. But the dramatic victory over India, who were 53 places higher than Hong Kong in the global ratings going into the game, puts the city’s team in a strong position to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals.
They deserve support as they seek to reap the rewards of recent results. Hong Kong competed in the finals last year for the first time in more than half a century. The qualifying campaign will resume in October.
Hong Kong football needs all the backing it can get. The domestic game does not receive enough sponsorship or interest from fans. The local Premier League struggles to attract top players and attendances are low.