Hong Kong football fans treated to front row seats as team get Asian Cup qualifiers off to flyer with win over Afghanistan
- 150 fans given the opportunity to support the team at Emperor Cinema in Causeway Bay as Hong Kong beat Afghanistan 2-1
- Football Association rents the venue for the evening and hosts a watch party for some lucky supporters
A lucky group of Hong Kong football fans were given a special treat in a cinema in Causeway Bay on Wednesday night, as they watched live coverage of their side’s game against Afghanistan in the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers.
The Hong Kong Football Association rented the venue for the evening, and hosted a party for 150 fans, who gathered to to support Jorn Andersen’s side as they got their Group D campaign off to the perfect start with a 2-1 win.
“The Hong Kong team has not played in front of the home fans for a long time and even this is not a real football venue, we try to create an environment for them to cheer for the team,” Joaquin Tam Chau-long, the association’s CEO, said before kick-off.
“Football needs the support of the fans, especially after the pandemic that has poised a lot troubles to our everyday life. Even if this is not a big party, the atmosphere is very good and we hope the fans can enjoy the night, especially if the team can bring a good result in the opening game of the tournament.”
It has been a long time since the city’s team last played at home. They beat Cambodia 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier at the Hong Kong Stadium in November 2019.
