Fifa World Cup 2026: Hong Kong thrash Bhutan in first leg of qualifying play-off
- Michael Udebuluzor scores his first Hong Kong goals, before Shinichi Chan opens his international account and bizarre own goal completes scoring
- Jorn Andersen’s side travel to Bhutan for Tuesday’s second leg with four-goal advantage in bid to reach the Asia qualifying group stage
Hong Kong’s young guns took centre stage to fire the city’s national team towards the next round of 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification, as Jorn Andersen’s side thumped Bhutan 4-0 in their play-off first leg on Thursday night.
The 19-year-old Michael Udebuluzor netted a pair of headers inside the opening 16 minutes, and Shinichi Chan, the 21-year-old from Kitchee, struck his first international goal shortly before the half-hour.
There was an element of farce about the own goal from Tenzin Norbu after 35 minutes that put Andersen’s team four goals to the good – and essentially confirmed Bhutan’s goose was cooked – before the two-leg tie was even one-quarter finished.
Next Tuesday’s return in Thimphu should be an exercise in box-ticking – or, perhaps, an opportunity to further swell the feelgood factor around Hong Kong football after their fourth place at the Asian Games.
It should be noted that Bhutan were feeble opposition, and in a one-sided first half were not much better than the wretched Brunei team annihilated 10-0 in the same Hong Kong Stadium last month.