AFC Asian Cup: Hong Kong hopes receive boost, Andersen’s team poised for Saudi Arabia clash in Qatar
- Head coach Jorn Andersen’s squad at full strength for final warm-up game in Doha
- Andersen expecting his side to face a stern test but believes he sees weaknesses in higher-ranked opponents
Jorn Andersen issued a positive fitness bulletin from Qatar, as Hong Kong prepare to wrap-up their AFC Asian Cup finals preparations with a game against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
A host of players have been nursing injuries since the beginning of a pre-tournament camp in mid-December, but the head coach said 25 of the 26-strong squad trained on Tuesday, with only late call-up Sean Tse Ka-keung on the sidelines.
Midfielder Wong Wai and centre-half Vas Nunez have not featured in any of Hong Kong’s four practice matches over the past three weeks, but the pair are close to recovering from groin and shoulder problems, respectively.
Defender Helio Goncalves, who was forced off against China last week, is available again. Likewise Jesse Yu Joy-yin, the 22-year-old midfielder, who missed the victory over China and a subsequent defeat by Tajikistan.
Hong Kong end their 56-year wait for an AFC Asian Cup finals fixture when they tackle United Arab Emirates in Doha on Sunday.
The meeting with Saudi Arabia at Al Janoub Stadium will happen behind closed doors, and both sides have opted to keep information to a minimum, pledging to reveal only the result, goalscorers and starting line-ups.