Hong Kong can dare to dream after reaching Asian Cup for first time since 1968

‘We did not dare to think of it before,’ captain Huang Yang says after Philippines’ defeat sends Jorn Andersen’s side into 2023 finals before last group game

The last time Hong Kong qualified, Martin Luther King Jnr had just been assassinated and humankind had yet to set foot on the moon

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Hong Kong were already guaranteed a finals berth as they prepared for their match against India on Tuesday night. Photo: HKFA

Published: 2:22pm, 14 Jun 2022Updated: 10:50pm, 14 Jun 2022

Hong Kong will play in the Asian Cup finals for the first time in 55 years after other results ensured their progress even before they kicked off against India in their final qualifier in Kolkata on Tuesday night.

The Philippines’ 4-0 defeat by Palestine in Group B guaranteed that Jorn Andersen’s Hong Kong side will finish as at least one of the best group runners-up, even if they do not go on to win their pool.

All group winners plus the five best second-placed teams will qualify for next year’s finals. Hong Kong’s two wins from their first two matches, against Afghanistan and Cambodia, had put them in contention in Group D, with the clash with India – who also had two wins from two – still to come at 11pm Hong Kong time.

But Hong Kong were given a helping hand by the Philippines, who needed to keep their own hopes alive as they faced Palestine in Ulaanbaatar. Goals from Saleh Chihadeh and Tamer Seyam had Palestine in command at half-time, and strikes after it by Mohammed Yameen and Mahmoud Abu Warda secured their finals berth – plus one for Hong Kong.

Hong Kong players in training before facing India on Tuesday night. Photo: HKFA

Goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai was among the Hong Kong players who were watching the Philippines game.