Hong Kong boss Andersen throws down gauntlet to players, tells them ‘show me you want Asian Cup spot’
- Norwegian will get look at 23-man squad during friendlies against Singapore and Malaysia over next 7 days
- Hong Kong have qualified to play in the AFC Asian Cup finals later this year in Qatar
Jorn Andersen has urged his players to prove they want to represent Hong Kong at the Asian Cup finals later this year in Qatar.
The Norwegian threw down the gauntlet to his squad ahead of internationals against Singapore at home and away against Malaysia over the next seven days.
With one eye on the tournament in the Middle East, Andersen has picked a 23-man squad that includes five players who are plying their trade in mainland China.
Southern forward Mahama Awal has also been added to the group after obtaining his Hong Kong passport just in time for the games on Thursday and next Tuesday.
While China-based players Leung Nok-hang, Vas Nunez, Matthew Orr, Li Ngai-hoi and Yue Tze-nam are involved, Tan Chun-lok, who was with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou City last season, has been dropped.
In addition to Awal, Andersen has included forwards Poon Pui-hing and Wong Ho-chun, midfielder Ngan Cheuk-pan and goalkeeper Tse Ka-wing for the first time.
The Hong Kong coach said he had picked a group of players best equipped to play the aggressive style of football he believes is needed to be successful.
“These players have something that we need, speed, power and physique,” Andersen said. “But they must show me they want to play for Hong Kong in the Asian Cup finals and stay in the team for future.
“This is the first Fifa window of the year and I still have June, September, October and November to see these players. We will then have to decide who can play for Hong Kong in Qatar.”
At a training session at the Hong Kong Football Association’s ground in Tseung Kwan O on Monday, Andersen said while the players based across the border were “a bit rusty” he was not concerned.
And he singled out defender Leung, who helped Zhejiang finish a surprise third in the CSL last season, for praise.
“I am happy with the way he plays,” Andersen said. “He likes to speak loud and give commands to the teammates. He can do the right things in the right time and help the team.”
Leung said Andersen’s approach mirrored that of his club boss, Jordi Vinyals, who asked his side “to play 90 minute non-stop pressing football”.
“I am very used to these kind of style and hopefully I can blend into the team as soon as possible,” the 28-year-old said.
Leung last played for Hong Kong at the 2019 EAFF Championship in Busan and missed last year’s Asian Cup qualifiers as well as the 2022 EAFF Championship in Japan because of injury.
He will be joining his elder brother, Eastern defender Leung Kwun-Chung, in the Hong Kong team.
“We last played together in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon for the under-23 team and it has been nine years since then,” Leung Nok-hang said. “I am so happy that we have a chance of playing together in the Hong Kong team, but it will be the coach’s decision to field us at the same time.”
