Hong Kong face Guangdong in Interport Cup as fans brace for more mainland rivalry
Hong Kong Football Association official says the annual match is popular with supporters on both sides of the border
The heated rivalry between the city and the mainland will fire up again as Hong Kong take on neighbours Guangdong in the annual Interport Cup on Thursday.
Following two thrilling goalless draws between Hong Kong and China in the recent World Cup qualifiers, any encounter between the two border rivals have sparked interest with fans.
The two-leg competition kicks off with Hong Kong’s home match at Mong Kok Stadium before the teams travel to Guangzhou for the return leg on Sunday.
Most of the fans are rational and they only want to enjoy a good international match. The Interport Cup is no exception as it’s always a tough battle for both sides
Vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Football Association, Pui Kwan-kay, said the annual tournament had been given more attention because of the World Cup qualifiers, but he doesn’t expect the same hostile environment when Hong Kong played hosts to China in November.
“Most of the fans are rational and they only want to enjoy a good international match,” said Pui. “The Interport Cup is no exception as it’s always a tough battle for both sides. Hong Kong would need to play at their best if they want to take the advantage in the two-leg tournament.”
Guangdong will be headed by diminutive midfielder Chen Zhizhao, who just moved from Beijing Guo’an to Guangzhou R&F at a transfer fee of 25 million yuan (HK$30 million).