Hong Kong football chiefs begin talks to keep Jorn Andersen in charge for AFC Asian Cup
- Norwegian’s 18-month contract is set to run out in June, with Asian Cup finals coming up in January in Qatar
- Hong Kong Football Association is pleased with Andersen’s performance, and contract renewal negotiations are under way
The Hong Kong Football Association has started negotiations with its head coach Jorn Andersen, in the hope of keeping him in charge for next January’s AFC Asian Cup in Qatar.
The Norwegian was appointed to the top job in late 2021 for 18 months with the target of leading Hong Kong to the regional cup competition, a goal Andersen achieved in June last year when his side finished second in a group qualifier in India.
His contract is set to run out in three months, but the city’s football chiefs are happy with the team’s performance so far under Andersen, who coached North Korea before his arrival in Hong Kong.
“We have had some discussions with the coach and the response has been positive,” HKFA chairman Pui Kwan-kay said. “The Asian Cup will now take place in January and it will not be a wise move to bring in a new face to replace Andersen at this stage.
“After all, we have planned a number of international matches building up for the regional competition and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers will also begin soon after the Asian Cup in Qatar. Andersen remains an ideal person to lead the team.”
Hong Kong will take part in two international friendlies later this month, first playing host to Singapore at Mong Kok Stadium on March 23, before taking on Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur three days later.