Asian Games 2023: Hong Kong boss Andersen has mixed feelings over making knockout stage without kicking a ball

Afghanistan and Syria’s decision to withdraw means Hong Kong and Uzbekistan are automatically into the round of 16

But with Uzbekistan tipped to win a medal, and Japan, Qatar or Palestine up next, Hong Kong could be in for a tough few days in Hangzhou

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Hong Kong’s players warm-up before a training session at Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium, Hangzhou. Photo: Dickson Lee

Published: 8:00am, 22 Sep 2023Updated: 8:41am, 22 Sep 2023

Hong Kong boss Jorn Andersen said there were pros and cons to his side qualifying for the knockout stages of the Asian Games without kicking a ball, as he admitted his team might fail to win a single game in Hangzhou.

Afghanistan and Syria’s withdrawal from Group C leaves Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to play each other twice, with the only thing at stake a marginally better draw in the next round.

The first of those matches takes place at the Shangcheng Sports Centre Stadium on Friday evening, and Andersen said he had been happy to have the extra days to prepare his team, given his side’s first game was supposed to have been against Syria on Wednesday.

“We didn’t have much preparation with this team before, only had one training session on Sunday in Hong Kong,” the 60-year-old Norwegian said. “I am happy to have these two days to train and to prepare the team better for the important game.”

Uzbekistan though are clear favourites, and with four players from the squad that reached the last 16 of the Fifa U-20 World Cup in Argentina earlier this year, some consider then gold medal contenders.

Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen has mixed feelings about his side qualifying for the last 16 without kicking a ball. Photo: Dickson Lee

“They are very strong, technically and physically good, so it will be a hard match,” Andersen said. “But we have to try to play more aggressively against them, we need to attack more, rather than sitting back and defend.