Mixu Paatelainen sticks with experience as he names 23-strong Hong Kong World Cup squad
- The Finn has no room for a batch of youngsters as he puts his faith in experience against Cambodia and Iran
- Hong Kong will face an acid test against the Iranians at home on September 15, the highest Fifa ranked team in Asia at 23
Mixu Paatelainen has named his 23-strong 2022 World Cup qualifying squad that will do battle against Cambodia and Iran next month, putting his faith on his tried and tested veterans while leaving out a batch of youngsters waiting in the wings.
The Hong Kong coach didn’t surprise with his selections, adding Sandro, of Premier League champions Wofoo Tai Po, to the squad after the Brazilian forward missed Hong Kong’s warm-up game against Taiwan, which saw his charges beaten 2-0 at Mong Kok Stadium in June.
Kwoon Chung Southern’s James Ha has also been added to the squad after skipping the Taiwan game as he was away on holiday, while former Tai Po midfielder Wong Wai, who is currently a free agent, is the only surprise call-up to the squad.
Hong Kong will take on Cambodia in Phnom Penh on September 5 before the team have the Herculean task of playing Asian giants Iran at home five days later on September 10.
Cambodia will provide an interesting challenge at the National Olympic Stadium in Cambodia’s capital, and Paatelainen was looking forward to the challenge.