Hong Kong boss Andersen calls up U23 pair for Malaysia clash after Orr and Helio drop out
- Forwards Jesse Yu and Lau Ka-kui, who have been playing in the Merlion Cup in Singapore, will travel to support the senior squad
- Matthew Orr misses trip through injury, while lost passport means Helio Concalves is unable to travel
Hong Kong boss Jorn Andersen has been forced to call up two U23 players ahead of his depleted side’s friendly against Malaysia on Tuesday, with injury and a lost passport denying him two key players.
Striker Matthew Orr has pulled out after he picked up a leg knock in the 1-1 draw with Singapore last week, while central defender Helio Concalves left his travel document in the back of a taxi and has not seen it since.
In their place, Andersen has summoned forwards Jesse Yu Joy-yin and Lau Ka-kui, as cover for the game at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor.
The pair have been playing in the Merlion Cup in Singapore, and will make the short trip across the border to Malaysia’s southern state.
“I watched their two games in the Merlion Cup and am happy with the results,” Andersen said. “They beat Singapore 1-0 in the first game while Lau scored in the second game against Malaysia.
“The two players just played two matches and may not be in their best condition because they may feel tired. But we have to call them for support in case there are some further injuries.”
Andersen’s injury woes do not stop at Orr either, another key player, Wong Wai, did not train with the squad after their arrival in Johor on Sunday. He also started the game against Singapore.
Tuesday’s game will be the first time the two sides have met since last June, when, in Andersen’s first game in charge Hong Kong lost 2-0 to a team that improved significantly under the guidance of their former boss Kim Pan-gon.
As a manager, Andersen has a good record against Malaysia, beating them 4-1 twice in quick succession in 2017 when in charge of North Korea.
“But Kim has raised the quality of the team very high as they now play with some offensive and quick football,” Andersen said. “I like the style they are playing.
“We played a good game against Singapore last week but were disappointed with the result as Singapore defended for almost 90 minutes. But it will be two different games, as Malaysia will certainly attack us, press us hard.
“We will have to work hard in defence and see what it is going out but I can promise we are a little bit stronger than we were here last time.”
Both teams are using the Fifa window to prepare for the Asian Cup finals in Qatar in January next year. While Hong Kong were battling to a draw, Malaysia beat Turkmenistan 1-0 in Johor.
Law Tsz-chun, who can play on the right side of midfield or defence, said the team would learn from the experience of last year’s defeat.
“We lost 2-0 last time but that was the first time we adopted a new playing style from the coach,” the Kitchee player said. “We made many mistakes in defence nor our attack was very effective.
“But since then we have played a number of matches under Andersen and are getting more use to his pressing football. We will be able to show some improvement.”
Full-back Tsui Wang-kit said they would forget the result of last game against Malaysia.
“It is all history and we need to focus on tomorrow’s game,” the Lee Man defender said. “I know they have some good wingers who are fast and skilful but we won’t be scared by them. We will stick to our aggressive football and try to make it difficult for them.”
