AFC Asian Cup finals: goal machine Poon Pui-hin insists ‘anything is possible’ on Hong Kong’s great adventure
- Poon emerging as a candidate to start for Hong Kong at the finals after scoring three goals in two practice games
- Forward learned a hard lesson after AFC Champions League red card for Kitchee
Poon Pui-hin insists “anything is possible” for Hong Kong at next month’s AFC Asian Cup finals, after the forward scored three goals in two games to put his hand up for a starting spot in Qatar.
The Kitchee player got the national team out of a hole with two late strikes to earn victory over HK U23 in a practice match on Saturday, after netting in a 2-1 defeat by his club side five days earlier.
Hong Kong were short of rhythm and cohesion in both games – understandable given they landed bang in the middle of a series of exhausting training sessions, with Jorn Andersen ramping-up fitness levels in the early stages of a pre-tournament camp.
Poon, however, emerged from the two matches with credit. He bagged a trio of poacher’s goals, and performed with the urgency and ambition Andersen demands.
He was already in the head coach’s good books after a string of impressive displays at this year’s Asian Games, notably when he bagged the only goal against Iran to book the city’s under-23s a semi-final spot.
“I am so happy I have shown the coach I can perform how he wants in games, it is a big positive for me before the Asian Cup,” Poon said.
“Whatever way I can help Hong Kong, from the start or as a substitute, I will do my best, but I hope the coach is getting more confidence in me and can put me in games.
“My confidence has been growing in training and games, and that allows me to perform at my best. I showed my potential at the Asian Games, and what we did there increased our belief against the strong teams.
“We showed nothing is impossible, something unexpected can always happen. We will fight in every game [at the Asian Cup] and try to deliver good news home to Hong Kong.”
Poon has been with Kitchee since 2021, after spells with Biu Chun Glory Sky, South China and Happy Valley, but has started only seven league games for the reigning champions.
The 23-year-old’s ability is not in question. He is bright, mobile and hungry, and nerveless in front of goal. His progress this term, however, has been checked by minor disciplinary infractions.
He missed the Asian Games semi-final against Japan after collecting two bookings, and was sent off on his one AFC Champions League start, away against Bangkok United.
The dismissal was harsh, but a petulant kick at an opponent exposed Poon to the punishment.
“It was a mistake … in the same situation again, I have to remain calm and focus on the game,” Poon said.
“Every player has highs and lows, and I think it was good for me, it was an important lesson.”
Poon turned to his dad, recently appointed Kitchee assistant coach Poon Man-chun, for advice after the Bangkok low.
“He told me it was a big experience for my career,” Poon said. “I had to get used to working with him every day. Every training session, he is tougher on me than anybody else. But I do not want anybody to think about him being my father [in terms of Kitchee selection]. I try to always do my job the best I can.”
Poon’s next chance to impress comes against China in Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Day. Hong Kong play Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia, on January 4 and 10 respectively, before facing United Arab Emirates in their Asian Cup opener on January 14.
“We will push 100 per cent against China,” Poon said. “The more strong opponents we have the better, it will help us play harder and faster, and defend better, in the tournament.”
