The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong head coach Jorn Andersen wants more naturalised players as team draw blank in Myanmar stalemate

Lack of firepower costs hosts at Hong Kong Stadium, while Andersen is ‘not too happy’ that side will not play again until March

Several Hong Kong Premier League expatriates are in line to get passports with coach hinting at moves for Europe-based stars

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Hong Kong’s players thank the crowd for their support at Hong Kong Stadium after a 0-0 draw against Myanmar. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 4:24pm, 25 Sep 2022Updated: 6:14pm, 25 Sep 2022

Hong Kong boss Jorn Andersen said he would aim to recruit more naturalised players ahead of next year’s Asian Cup finals, after a lack of firepower cost his side victory over Myanmar on Saturday night.

The Norwegian expressed dissatisfaction at his side’s recent lack of game time, with the clash at Hong Kong Stadium marking the team’s first home match in front of fans since 2019 amid strict Covid-19 restrictions in the city.

After a convincing victory over the visitors three days earlier at a behind-closed-doors encounter in Mong Kok, expectations were high for a second consecutive international friendly against the Southeast Asian nation.

But Hong Kong could only manage a disappointing goalless draw in front of more than 12,000 fans at the So Kon Po venue – where boos were heard among the crowd during the prematch national anthem.

With his selection choices limited among local players, Andersen said he would try to enlist the services of more expatriates plying their trade in the Hong Kong Premier League, and overseas players of Hong Kong origin.

Hong Kong’s Alex Akande looks to head the ball against Myanmar. Photo: Dickson Lee

“We are always looking for better quality players and some Premier League players will get their Hong Kong passport before our next game,” said the coach.