https://www.scmp.com/rss/522942/feed The latest news and top stories on Ashley Westwood, an English football manager with a coaching career. He currently leads the Hong Kong national team, having previously managed the Afghanistan national team and several clubs across Asia. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Written off in some quarters following his second serious knee injury at the age of 22, and ignored by the last Hong Kong manager, Jordan Lam Lok-kan is back in the international fold and targeting his second cap in India next week. Kitchee left-back Lam, who spent time with English club Bury a decade ago, pressed his selection claims when he lashed home the penalty that sealed the city team’s Chinese New Year Cup shoot-out victory over FC Seoul last month. Having underlined his reputation as a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347721/after-injuries-and-being-ignored-kitchees-jordan-lam-make-most-his-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347721/after-injuries-and-being-ignored-kitchees-jordan-lam-make-most-his-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:46:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada said managing Hong Kong would be a “life-changing job”, but played down the pressure as he prepared to audition for the role in his final two matches in interim charge. After leading the side in the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup and Chinese New Year Cup, Losada will get his first taste of genuine international football when the city team play Nepal on March 26, then travel to India for an Asian Cup qualifier five days later. The task of assembling a competitive squad has been “very... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347204/hong-kong-coach-eyeing-life-changing-role-ahead-nepal-and-india-clashes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347204/hong-kong-coach-eyeing-life-changing-role-ahead-nepal-and-india-clashes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:35 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s sports minister has expressed regret over her social media post about the former coach of the men’s football team made after their stinging loss to Singapore in an Asian Cup qualifying match last year, vowing to be “more careful” with her comments. Speaking on a radio show on Tuesday evening, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said her comments about Ashley Westwood were made from the standpoint of a fan rather than a government official. At the time, some... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343926/hong-kongs-sports-minister-regrets-comments-about-coach-local-football-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343926/hong-kongs-sports-minister-regrets-comments-about-coach-local-football-team?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:15:46 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong’s football chief is ready to start his global hunt for a head coach and said he would be “watching very closely” when interim boss Roberto Losada has his latest audition this month. Losada will be in charge for Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year Cup game against FC Seoul on February 21, after it was confirmed on Monday that the one-off clash would replace the unloved legends matches staged for the two most recent editions of the 118-year-old fixture. Eric Fok Kai-shan, chairman of the Football... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3342136/hong-kong-football-chief-set-embark-head-coach-hunt-man-city-tipped-visit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3342136/hong-kong-football-chief-set-embark-head-coach-hunt-man-city-tipped-visit?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:14 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Roberto Losada has left Eastern with immediate effect, days after saying he would be quitting the Hong Kong Premier League club to focus on managing the city’s senior men’s team. Losada was named interim Hong Kong head coach last week, replacing Ashley Westwood, and will take charge of the side for the Guangdong Cup games over the new year. In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, Eastern said they would look to Europe for a replacement, with assistant coach Cristiano Cordeiro taking... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3336983/eastern-look-west-losada-replacement-after-coach-leaves-immediate-effect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3336983/eastern-look-west-losada-replacement-after-coach-leaves-immediate-effect?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Dec 2025 01:29:56 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada was named interim Hong Kong head coach on Friday, as the local football association began its hunt for a boss with “a global vision and professional competence” to replace Ashley Westwood. Manager of local Premier League club Eastern, Losada said last month that he was “super-ready” to lead Hong Kong. But the 49-year-old, who is set to combine the role with his Eastern duties, will clearly have to earn his stripes after being appointed for an indefinite period. Losada’s first... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3336196/eastern-boss-roberto-losada-take-temporary-charge-hong-kong-mens-football-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3336196/eastern-boss-roberto-losada-take-temporary-charge-hong-kong-mens-football-team?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Dec 2025 07:19:58 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada has said he would be “super-ready” to become the new Hong Kong head coach if asked, after Ashley Westwood vacated the position on Monday. Speaking at a press conference ahead of his Eastern team’s AFC Champions League Two clash with Gamba Osaka on Thursday, Losada originally said it was “not the moment” to talk about the city team post. A Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) official then moved to shut down the topic, but Losada said: “The only thing I can say is I’m... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3334269/hong-kong-seeks-new-football-coach-roberto-losada-says-he-super-ready?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3334269/hong-kong-seeks-new-football-coach-roberto-losada-says-he-super-ready?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 23:00:17 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong football fans’ bond with Ashley Westwood was always a fragile one. Just how fragile was clear when, straight after last week’s 2-1 defeat by Singapore in a must-win Asian Cup qualifier, many rushed to social media to demand his removal as the city’s head coach. Had predecessor Jorn Andersen suffered a comparable off-night, he would have been spared their anger. Hong Kong loyalists saw Andersen as someone who cared about them, their team and their players. The impression given by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3334155/what-hong-kongs-next-football-coach-must-do-differently-westwood?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3334155/what-hong-kongs-next-football-coach-must-do-differently-westwood?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 26 Nov 2025 01:16:39 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong football fans had high expectations as the city’s team took on Singapore last week in one of the biggest games in years, with a place in the Asian Cup finals beckoning. The team enjoyed a home advantage, roared on by a record crowd of 47,762 at Kai Tak Stadium. But there was heartbreak when a 1-0 lead evaporated during five second-half minutes during which Singapore scored twice. The supporters were stunned into silence. The Lions now head to the finals for the first time since hosting... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3333841/back-drawing-board-hong-kong-football-after-loss-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3333841/back-drawing-board-hong-kong-football-after-loss-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 23:15:16 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Tai Po head coach Lee Chi-kin said he would be open to managing Hong Kong, as local football chiefs extended their silence over the future of head coach Ashley Westwood to a fourth day. Sources have told the Post that Westwood would be leaving his job following the defeat by Singapore on Tuesday that cost the city team their place in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup finals. While the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) stayed quiet, the pair of Philip Chan Siu-kwan and Tse Ka-wing had their... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333810/title-winning-boss-eyes-hong-kong-job-keeper-hits-back-westwood-saga-rumbles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333810/title-winning-boss-eyes-hong-kong-job-keeper-hits-back-westwood-saga-rumbles?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Nov 2025 00:00:18 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara David Neo, the acting Singapore sports minister, has privately apologised to the Hong Kong government after he was captured on camera labelling the city’s football players and fans “idiots” following this week’s Asian Cup qualifier at Kai Tak Stadium. Singapore won 2-1 to reach the 2027 finals at the expense of Hong Kong. An Instagram live stream from one of the visiting players’ accounts showed Neo, the city state’s acting minister for culture, community and youth, telling a jubilant away... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3333778/singapore-minister-apologises-hong-kong-government-after-football-idiots-insult?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3333778/singapore-minister-apologises-hong-kong-government-after-football-idiots-insult?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Nov 2025 04:37:44 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Confusion surrounded the future of Hong Kong boss Ashley Westwood on Friday, with sources telling the Post he was leaving his role as head coach of the city’s football team, and officials remaining tight-lipped as speculation mounted that they were set to act. Englishman Westwood’s position came into question after Hong Kong slumped to a disappointing 2-1 Asian Cup qualifying defeat by Singapore on Tuesday. Supporters have clamoured for Westwood’s dismissal, while he was also criticised by the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333633/ashley-westwood-set-leave-hong-kong-job-days-after-disappointing-singapore-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333633/ashley-westwood-set-leave-hong-kong-job-days-after-disappointing-singapore-defeat?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Nov 2025 04:31:57 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong football chief Pui Kwan-kay implied on Thursday that he expects Ashley Westwood to remain in his job as manager of the city’s representative team, despite the continued fallout following the defeat to Singapore. Westwood has been the target of fierce supporter criticism since Tuesday's crushing Asian Cup loss. And in another blow to the team, in the latest Fifa rankings, issued on Thursday, Hong Kong slipped five places to No 153, while Singapore climbed four positions to No 151. As... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333558/hong-kong-football-chief-backs-under-fire-boss-westwood-after-singapore-defeat-fans-anger?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333558/hong-kong-football-chief-backs-under-fire-boss-westwood-after-singapore-defeat-fans-anger?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:56:20 +0000 Jiang Chuqin Jiang Chuqin Hong Kong football fans continued to vent their anger at head coach Ashley Westwood on Wednesday after the team’s disappointing loss to Singapore, and even the city’s sports minister weighed in, expressing reservations over the boss’ tactics. Almost 24 hours after the 2-1 defeat at Kai Tak Stadium ended any hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, angry fans swamped the Football Association of Hong Kong, China’s social media platforms, calling for the Englishman to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333450/hong-kong-fans-want-westwood-sacked-while-sports-minister-questions-coachs-tactics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333450/hong-kong-fans-want-westwood-sacked-while-sports-minister-questions-coachs-tactics?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:45:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A defiant Ashley Westwood has refused to apologise for Hong Kong’s crushing Asian Cup defeat at home to Singapore, and said he expected to continue as coach because “we’ve improved loads”. The punchy Englishman defended his handling of Tuesday night’s let-down at Kai Tak Stadium, where he picked a 41-year-old goalkeeper who had been on the international shelf for three years and left three of his best players on the bench when even a draw would have saved the day. Westwood claimed he had been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333391/hong-kong-boss-westwood-wont-apologise-or-quit-after-humiliating-singapore-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333391/hong-kong-boss-westwood-wont-apologise-or-quit-after-humiliating-singapore-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:30:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong had their Asian Cup finals dream shattered inside five devastating minutes in a 2-1 defeat by Singapore at a shell-shocked Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday. Second half goals from Shawal Anuar and Ilhan Fandi sent the visitors into dreamland and left most of the record 47,762-strong crowd stunned into silence at the final whistle. Matt Orr had given Hong Kong reason to believe, putting the home side ahead after 15 minutes. But boss Ashley Westwood’s mystifying decision to name the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333307/ilhan-fandi-shawal-anuar-shatter-hong-kong-hearts-stunning-asian-cup-upset?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333307/ilhan-fandi-shawal-anuar-shatter-hong-kong-hearts-stunning-asian-cup-upset?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:15:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ashley Westwood has challenged Hong Kong to qualify “properly” for an Asian Cup finals after suggesting they sneaked through the back door to reach the last tournament. The city’s team host Singapore in a cliffhanger match at a sold-out Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday, knowing victory would book their ticket to Saudi Arabia in 2027, but a defeat would extinguish their qualification hopes. Hong Kong ended their 55-year major-tournament exile when they finished runners-up to hosts India in a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333150/hong-kongs-footballers-urged-qualify-properly-asian-cup-beating-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3333150/hong-kongs-footballers-urged-qualify-properly-asian-cup-beating-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:15:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A jet-lagged and exhausted Michael Udebuluzor has vowed to be fit and firing for Hong Kong’s “do-or-die” Asian Cup qualifying clash with Singapore next Tuesday. Striker Udebuluzor, who plays for Estonian top-flight side JK Tallinna Kalev, was replaced after 55 minutes of the 1-1 friendly draw with Cambodia on Thursday after he complained about breathing problems. The 21-year-old was back in the squad following his exclusion from September and October get-togethers as punishment for calling... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3332796/exhausted-and-forgiven-hong-kong-striker-aiming-avoid-singapore-tears?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3332796/exhausted-and-forgiven-hong-kong-striker-aiming-avoid-singapore-tears?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Nov 2025 01:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong warmed up for their blockbuster Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore next week with an entertaining 1-1 draw against Cambodia on Thursday. When Wong Wai’s clever finish capped some fine build-up play after 31 minutes, it was just reward for the city team’s dominance at Hong Kong Stadium. But just as 7,480 boisterous fans, roughly 42,000 fewer than are expected to watch against Singapore at the plusher Kai Tak Stadium next Tuesday, were bracing themselves to be royally entertained,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3332702/hong-kong-held-cambodia-warm-critical-asian-cup-clash-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3332702/hong-kong-held-cambodia-warm-critical-asian-cup-clash-singapore?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:59:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The big-hitting batsman-turned-international-footballer, Jahangir Khan, said he was fighting for a Hong Kong recall following his fine start to the campaign with revitalised North District. Raiding wingback Khan unleashed a blockbuster equalising strike in a 3-3 draw with Kitchee on Sunday that saw his unfashionable team climb to the top of the local Premier League table. The 25-year-old became the first player of South Asian descent to represent Hong Kong in June 2022. His achievement was all... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3330487/pakistan-born-footballers-hong-kong-ambition-after-ditching-first-sporting-love?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3330487/pakistan-born-footballers-hong-kong-ambition-after-ditching-first-sporting-love?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:00:18 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Tomasz Kuszczak and Nemanja Vidic both suffered embarrassing moments in Saturday’s exhibition match between teams of Manchester United and Liverpool old boys. The good news for the ex-United pair was that not many people were inside Kai Tak Stadium to witness their howlers. Without doubt, the official 27,081 attendance figure seemed wildly generous. Kuszczak got especially lucky in that he committed his error very early. The game kicked off around six minutes before the stated 5pm start time,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3329529/manchester-united-and-liverpool-old-boys-underwhelm-hong-kong-fans-stay-away?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3329529/manchester-united-and-liverpool-old-boys-underwhelm-hong-kong-fans-stay-away?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 14:00:20 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong goalkeeper Tse Ka-wing acknowledged that qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup finals has become “a little bit complicated”, ahead of next month’s win-and-you're-in home clash with Singapore. Victory for either side on November 18 would seal their spot in Saudi Arabia, while a draw would send the qualification argument to the final round of group matches in March. Hong Kong’s timid 1-1 draw with Bangladesh on Tuesday opened the door to Singapore, and they walked right through it with a 2-1... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3329087/hong-kong-keepers-kai-tak-debut-dream-come-true-focus-winner-takes-all-asian-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3329087/hong-kong-keepers-kai-tak-debut-dream-come-true-focus-winner-takes-all-asian-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:00:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ten-man Hong Kong conceded a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Bangladesh on Tuesday, blowing a golden chance to plant one foot in the 2027 Asian Cup finals in the process. Despite a laboured performance, the home team were on course for victory at a crackling Kai Tak Stadium when Matt Orr broke the visitors’ resistance with a 36th-minute penalty. Hong Kong were short of thrust and imagination, however, and despite appearing in control, never threatened to add to their lead. A 76th-minute red card... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3329020/asian-cup-10-man-hong-kongs-qualifying-ambitions-dented-following-bangladesh-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3329020/asian-cup-10-man-hong-kongs-qualifying-ambitions-dented-following-bangladesh-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:19:19 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ashley Westwood has shot down suggestions that Bangladesh have been ill treated ahead of their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong at a packed Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday night. The 50,000-seat Kowloon venue sold out within 1½ hours of tickets becoming available, and anticipation for the clash has heightened after the city team won a rip-roaring away fixture 4-3 in Dhaka last Thursday. Asked at a lively pre-match press conference on Monday about some Bangladeshi grumbles over their practice... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328843/hong-kong-boss-shoots-down-bangladesh-complaints-sold-out-kai-tak-stadium-clash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328843/hong-kong-boss-shoots-down-bangladesh-complaints-sold-out-kai-tak-stadium-clash?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Raphael Merkies fired a warning shot at Bangladesh on Sunday, vowing to make them pay double after they refused to hand over the match ball following his hat-trick heroics in Dhaka. The Hong Kong winger’s dramatic late winner sealed a 4-3 win for Ashley Westwood’s side in their Asian Cup qualifier last week, and the two Group C rivals will resume hostilities on Tuesday in the reverse fixture. Victory at Kai Tak Stadium would leave the home side one win from qualifying for the finals in Saudi... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328693/hong-kongs-hat-trick-hero-merkies-vows-make-bangladesh-pay-after-match-ball-snub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328693/hong-kongs-hat-trick-hero-merkies-vows-make-bangladesh-pay-after-match-ball-snub?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Oct 2025 09:34:35 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Head coach Ashley Westwood has targeted the “two big results” that would book Hong Kong’s 2027 Asian Cup finals spot, after a stunning 4-3 victory in Bangladesh on Thursday. That result, combined with second-placed Singapore drawing at home against India, gave Hong Kong a two-point lead at the top of qualifying Group C with three matches remaining. It had looked like Hong Kong would toss away the chance to capitalise on Singapore’s stumble when Bangladesh drew level at 3-3 in the ninth minute of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328490/hong-kong-two-big-results-second-straight-asian-cup-finals-westwood-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328490/hong-kong-two-big-results-second-straight-asian-cup-finals-westwood-says?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Substitute Raphael Merkies completed a thrilling hat-trick with a 101st-minute winner as Hong Kong won an astonishing AFC Asian Cup qualifier 4-3 in Bangladesh. The city team had hit back through Everton Camargo and a Merkies double after Hamza Choudhury gave the hosts a 13th-minute lead. But it looked like Hong Kong had blown a golden opportunity to seize the initiative in their qualifying Group C after Shekh Morsalin struck in the 84th minute, and Shamit Shome buried a header beyond substitute... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328431/hong-kong-strike-death-stunning-afc-asian-cup-win-bangladesh?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3328431/hong-kong-strike-death-stunning-afc-asian-cup-win-bangladesh?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Oct 2025 16:43:25 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Mahama Awal has backed Hong Kong’s energy to combat a hostile home crowd in Bangladesh this week, and the winger anticipated a packed Kai Tak Stadium helping the city team turn on “maximum power” in the return clash. Bangladesh’s National Stadium is poised to be full to its 22,000 capacity for Hong Kong’s visit on Thursday, after an initial wave of 19,000 tickets was snapped up in 24 minutes. The Football Association of Hong Kong China, meanwhile, said the 50,000-capacity Kai Tak had sold out,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3327949/hong-kong-will-overcome-hostile-bangladesh-asian-cup-atmosphere-pledges-forward?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3327949/hong-kong-will-overcome-hostile-bangladesh-asian-cup-atmosphere-pledges-forward?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 04:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Record-breaking Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai has said he would consider his international future should the city team fail to reach a second straight Asian Cup finals. Yapp has amassed 111 appearances following his debut in February 2010, 40 more than the 71 gained by the city team’s second-most capped player, recently retired midfielder Huang Yang. Hong Kong, who are second in their qualifying group, are poised for pivotal back-to-back meetings with Bangladesh this month. Yapp said he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3327469/hong-kong-legend-will-consider-international-exit-if-asian-cup-quest-ends-failure?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3327469/hong-kong-legend-will-consider-international-exit-if-asian-cup-quest-ends-failure?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Oct 2025 04:11:58 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong hammered nine-man Fiji 8-0 in their final King’s Cup match in Thailand on Sunday, a result helped hugely by the Pacific Islanders’ own ill-discipline. The one-sided contest, against a side Hong Kong drew one-all with 12 months ago, was probably not what Ashley Westwood would have wanted to prepare for next month’s key back-to-back Asian Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh. But it ended a four-match losing streak, while impressive midfielder Jesse Yu Joy-yin broke his international... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3324664/kings-cup-hong-kong-hammer-fiji-after-red-mist-descends-pacific-islanders?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3324664/kings-cup-hong-kong-hammer-fiji-after-red-mist-descends-pacific-islanders?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 07 Sep 2025 11:45:18 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong’s King’s Cup clash with Fiji on Sunday can give the city team momentum before next month’s potentially decisive AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, defender Leon Jones has said. The third-place play-off in the Thai town of Kanchanaburi offers a chance to get back to winning ways as Hong Kong, who sit 147th in the global standings, face the 150th-ranked Fijians. Thursday’s 2-1 loss to world No 58 side Iraq followed a winless East Asian Football Championship campaign in July. Next up are the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3324614/kings-cup-hong-kong-seek-win-over-fiji-and-asian-cup-bounce?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3324614/kings-cup-hong-kong-seek-win-over-fiji-and-asian-cup-bounce?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Sep 2025 12:08:53 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong slipped to a fourth straight defeat after Iraq hit back following Matt Orr’s 61st-minute penalty to secure a 2-1 victory over the city team in their King’s Cup semi-final in Thailand. Orr nervelessly stroked home his 11th international goal after Juninho was cut down by Ahmed Yahya as he sprinted to reach a left-wing cross from Fernando. Graham Arnold, the Iraq head coach, promptly made a triple change, and it was one of the new men, Mohanad Ali, who turned the game on its head. Six... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3324381/kings-cup-hong-kong-lose-iraq-after-city-team-threaten-shock-favourites?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3324381/kings-cup-hong-kong-lose-iraq-after-city-team-threaten-shock-favourites?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Sep 2025 13:00:17 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Yip Ka-yu is set to return to BC Rangers after the goalkeeper had his rape conviction overturned in June. In October 2023, Yip was sentenced to five years and three months in prison after he was convicted of raping a 17-year-old girl. The Court of Appeal determined that Yip had been left with no chance of receiving a not-guilty verdict, because the trial judge did not mention to the jury that he might have been under the “genuine but mistaken belief” that the complainant agreed to have sex with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3322095/hong-kong-footballer-resume-career-after-rape-conviction-overturned?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3322095/hong-kong-footballer-resume-career-after-rape-conviction-overturned?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:26:24 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Matt Orr admitted that Hong Kong had fallen short of their own standards in their East Asian Football Championship defeat to China on Tuesday. The striker, who scored his side’s only goal of the tournament in their opening 6-1 hammering by Japan last week, barely had a sniff against their mainland rivals. Despite Hong Kong being world ranked No 147, 53 places below their opponents, Orr said he “thought we had a genuine chance to win the game”. “It’s disappointing, we just let it slip,” Orr... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3318339/hong-kong-strikers-sour-taste-after-team-fall-beneath-standards-china-loss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3318339/hong-kong-strikers-sour-taste-after-team-fall-beneath-standards-china-loss?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ashley Westwood said Hong Kong wanted “to make history” when they tackle China in Seoul on Tuesday. The city team last beat their mainland rivals in a competitive fixture 40 years ago, while they have lost all four previous East Asian Football Championship clashes between the teams by an aggregate score of 8-1. Hong Kong have already lost their opening two matches in South Korea, after arriving at the tournament on a 10-match unbeaten run, but supporters have long identified the closing fixture... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3318182/east-asian-football-championship-hong-kong-boss-westwood-out-make-history-against-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3318182/east-asian-football-championship-hong-kong-boss-westwood-out-make-history-against-china?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:36:43 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Leon Jones has urged Hong Kong to finish their East Asian Championship campaign in historic style when they meet China on Tuesday. Hong Kong were rigid and determined in a 2-0 loss to hosts South Korea on Friday, three days after failing to do themselves justice in a heavy 6-1 defeat by Japan. Centre-back Jones credited a change of structure for “making us more competitive” and said a first meaningful meeting with the Chinese since 2022 was “a chance, against good opposition, to show what we can... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317962/hong-kong-defender-targets-historic-win-break-40-year-drought-against-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317962/hong-kong-defender-targets-historic-win-break-40-year-drought-against-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Jul 2025 05:00:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara East Asian Football Championship: South Korea v Hong Kong, Friday, 7pm Hong Kong time. Ashley Westwood said Hong Kong would learn from the mistakes that sunk them against Japan when they tackle South Korea in the East Asian Football Championship on Friday. Despite being thumped 6-1 by the Japanese on Tuesday, Hong Kong received a boost on the eve of their second fixture in Seoul, when they climbed six places to No 147 in the latest Fifa world rankings. That jump reflected the 10-match unbeaten... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317756/hong-kong-leap-fifa-rankings-coach-vows-make-fans-proud-against-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317756/hong-kong-leap-fifa-rankings-coach-vows-make-fans-proud-against-south-korea?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Kyle Lau Ka-kiu endured a controversial welcome to international football, but having had his selection for Hong Kong queried by some, he intends to make his big break count, starting against South Korea on Friday. Based in the United States, where he has studied for the past four years, Lau last month found himself in the eye of a storm when he was handed his debut during the Asian Cup qualifying win over India at Kai Tak Stadium – ahead of local favourite Lau Chi-lok. Many supporters pointed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317598/controversial-pick-hong-kong-team-lau-seeks-chance-show-worth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317598/controversial-pick-hong-kong-team-lau-seeks-chance-show-worth?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:45:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Battered and bruised Hong Kong suffered an embarrassing 6-1 loss to an inexperienced Japan side in their opening East Asian Football Championship finals match in Seoul on Tuesday. Ryo Germain, one of six Japanese starting debutants, helped himself to four quick-fire goals as his side sprinted into a 5-0 lead after 26 minutes. Sandwiched between those, midfielder Sho Inagaki leathered in Japan’s third goal from 25 yards. Slight solace for Hong Kong came with their first East Asian finals goal... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317430/east-asian-football-championship-hong-kong-taught-lesson-ruthless-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317430/east-asian-football-championship-hong-kong-taught-lesson-ruthless-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 12:21:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ashley Westwood is a stickler for detail, so it was probably no accident that he exaggerated Hong Kong’s underdog status on the eve of their first East Asian Football Championship match on Tuesday. “We’re playing three very good teams, two of the best-ranked teams in Asia, and China, a good, strong side,” the city’s head coach said in Yongin, on the outskirts of Seoul, as he previewed the opening clash with Japan. As if to emphasise the gulf between his Hong Kong side and the rest, he went on to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317273/east-asian-football-championship-do-hong-kong-really-have-no-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317273/east-asian-football-championship-do-hong-kong-really-have-no-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The two major Hong Kong fans groups have begun mobilising ahead of the city team’s assault on East Asian Football Championship glory this week. Hundreds of supporters are set to back the team against Japan on Tuesday, and hosts South Korea on Friday, before an expected four-figure travelling army roar on Hong Kong in next week’s blockbuster clash with China. The group Chi Sin Lo, ‘Crazy Guys’ in Cantonese, have around 900 members in a WhatsApp channel launched for the tournament. “The football... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317185/hong-kong-crazy-guys-among-fans-flocking-south-korea-east-asian-football-championship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317185/hong-kong-crazy-guys-among-fans-flocking-south-korea-east-asian-football-championship?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:30:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara South Korea were missing their A-list stars but they did not need Son Heung-min or Lee Kang-in to sweep aside China 3-0 in their opening East Asian Football Championship game on Monday. The lesser-heralded Lee Dong-gyeong and Joo Min-kyu were more than good enough to exploit an inexperienced opposition’s poor defending, putting their side 2-0 up at half-time at Yongin Mireu Stadium. Centre-back Kim Ju-sung rammed home following a 57th-minute corner, at which point South Korea boss Hong Myung-bo... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317181/china-boss-djurdjevic-eyes-south-korea-clash-fresh-start-struggling-national-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317181/china-boss-djurdjevic-eyes-south-korea-clash-fresh-start-struggling-national-team?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Jul 2025 03:09:33 +0000