Shanghai Covid-19 crisis adds pressure for Hong Kong’s Kitchee in Champions League opener

Hong Kong champions preparing to meet Chiangrai in Thailand on Saturday, with Vissel Kobe of Japan to follow in group J

Little margin for error in the group after Shanghai Port withdrew, with their city under lockdown as it battles a coronavirus outbreak

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Veteran striker Dejan Damjanovic will be a key man as Kitchee start their AFC Champions League bid in Thailand. Photo: Kitchee

Published: 6:30pm, 14 Apr 2022

Kitchee head coach Chu Chi-kwong said his side’s task may have been made tougher by the withdrawal of Shanghai Port as they prepare to start their AFC Champions League campaign in Thailand on Saturday.

The Hong Kong champions will take on Thai League 1 side Chiangrai United in their opening group match in Buriram, before meeting Andre Iniesta’s Vissel Kobe of Japan three days later.

Port, who this week pulled out of the tournament because of the Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown in Shanghai, finished second in the Chinese Super League last season, but were believed not to be prioritising the Champions League.

“Shanghai Port were supposed to be the weakest side of the group, because it was reported that they would be sending a youth team for the tournament,” Chu said.

Dani Cancela talks to head coach Chu Chi-kwong during Kitchee’s preparations in Thailand. The left back later suffered a leg injury that ruled him out of the tournament. Photo: Kitchee

“If we could take all six points against them, it could help us finish as at least one of the best group runners-up. But it is not going to happen, and this may affect the players on the psychological side.

“With only three teams in the group, every match will now be crucial to decide who will go into the round of 16.”