Goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai returns to EAFF Championship 10 years after making his Hong Kong debut
- The 29-year-old has established himself on the Hong Kong team after featuring in the 2010 tournament as a teenager
- The goalkeeper plays down the rivalry with China after 2015 World Cup qualifier turned ugly with accusations of time wasting from China captain
Almost 10 years after making his full international debut at the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) Championship, Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai has come full circle as he returns to the tournament where he first rose to prominence as a promising 19-year-old.
Yapp wore the Hong Kong jersey for the first time when the city last qualified for the EAFF finals in Tokyo in early 2010, an eye-popping experience for the then teenager as Hong Kong played against Asia’s three regional powers – South Korea, Japan and China.
“I was a young chap and a newcomer on the team but I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to play the last two games for Hong Kong in the tournament,” said the now 29-year-old, who was in goal against Japan and China after Hong Kong lost 5-0 to South Korea in their opening game in 2010.
“I have learned a lot from that experience and I have established myself on the team. It’s always an honour representing Hong Kong and it’s more special when we play against the Asian heavyweights. I hope more players can be given a similar opportunity playing for Hong Kong.”
Yapp is the only player left from the 23-member squad who played in the Tokyo tournament. Hong Kong will make their third appearance in the 2019 finals to be played in Busan, South Korea next week. Hong Kong made their debut in the championship in 2003.
Hong Kong begin their campaign by taking on hosts South Korea on December 11 at the Busan Asiad Main Stadium. Hong Kong then play Japan on December 14 before crossing swords with China on December 18 in the most interesting tussle of the campaign.