It was a case of mission half-accomplished for coach Kim Pan-gon as Hong Kong lost 3-2 to Guangdong in the opening leg of the annual Interport Cup soccer clash at Mong Kok Stadium on Sunday.
He achieved his prematch objective of blooding several youngsters in the narrow defeat where the winner was scored in stoppage time, but now his charges face a tough task in the return leg in Huizhou on Wednesday
Fong Pak-lun and Tsang Chi-hau, who impressed in the under-23 side at the recent East Asian Games, were given the chance to make their full international debuts in the starting line-up, while three other youngsters, Che Runqin, Cheung Chi-yung and Ip Chong-long, were also phased into the match after the break.
"For the sake of the long-term development of the team, I had to take this bold step of fielding the youngsters," said Pang. "I am sure they have gained a lot of experience although we will have to study the video footage before we decide whether to give them the same opportunity in the away leg."
Fong, 20, admitted he was a bit nervous in the opening stages after losing the ball several times, but gradually adjusted to the pace of the high-tempo match and assisted in striker Chan Siu-ki's goal.
"This is a good start and I am confident of making progress in my international career," said the Yokohama FC left back. "We have learned a lot and although we have to travel to Huizhou for the second leg, we are confident of making up the one-goal deficit."