Hong Kong run riot in World Cup soccer qualifier against minnows Bhutan
7-0 goal rampage gives hosts a boost in confidence with six players scoring, including a brace for Jaimes McKee
Hong Kong easily cleared the first hurdle in their World Cup soccer qualifiers with a convincing victory over minnows Bhutan, but their euphoria will be short-lived as the next game could be tougher against the Maldives.
A thrilling 7-0 result on Thursday night, with four goals in the first half, gave a packed 6,300-strong crowd a memorable evening at Mong Kok Stadium, but poor finishing in the second half raised concerns.
After taking such a big lead and getting the match under control, the intensity levels dropped a lot, but you cannot ask for more from the boys
There was a lack of a killer instinct when the hosts failed to take advantage of their tiring opponents, who are remarkably ranked 159 - above Hong Kong's 164.
Forward Jaimes McKee and second-half substitute Godfred Karikari sparked a plethora of chances after Hong Kong hit the seven-goal mark on 68 minutes.
Despite missed opportunities, both players found the net with McKee hitting a brace in the 19th and 57th minutes.
Coach Kim Pan-gon was a happy man following the match.