Tan Chun-lok leads by example as Hong Kong draw with Guangdong in Interport Cup

Youngster Tan Chun-lok was hailed as the leader of a new generation of Hong Kong stars after their 1-1 draw in the first leg of the annual Interport Cup against Guangdong on Thursday night.

The 19-year-old midfielder was appointed the team captain by coach Liu Chun-fai in a team featuring mostly up-and-coming players, becoming possibly the youngest ever skipper for Hong Kong.

And Tan did not let the team down after heading home the equaliser in front of a crowd of 4,200 at Mong Kok Stadium.

“I have no hesitation to give him the armband,” said coach Liu. “He is young but it doesn’t mean he is not good enough. Tan has featured in the World Cup qualifiers and can certainly play a regular part in the squad despite his age.

“His appointment can show to other young players that if you work hard, you can get the chance.”

Hong Kong rested most of their internationals after a hectic World Cup qualifiers schedule, with the only exception being 35-year-old Manoel dos Santos, who was making his debut for Hong Kong after obtaining his passport in November.

But the young lions showed no shortage of courage, dominating possession especially in the first half. Lee Ka-yiu should have opened the scoring for the home side in the early stage, but his shot from 12 metres surprisingly went wide of target,

Defying the run of play, Guangdong went into the lead through a solo effort by Cai Jingyuan on 25 minutes. The Shenzhen player cut in from the left and let loose a low drive to the far corner, givingthe goalkeeper no chance.