Hong Kong face tough EAFF qualifying task after Chinese Taipei thump Mongolia
Ashley Westwood’s team need to overcome Chinese Taipei on Saturday to book spot in EAFF qualifying final
Chinese Taipei overcame a sluggish start to beat Mongolia 4-0 and gain the upper hand over Hong Kong in East Asian Football Federation Championship (EAFF) qualifying, ahead of the two teams’ decisive clash on Saturday.
The sides are locked together on three points, but Chinese Taipei boast the superior goal difference, after Hong Kong saw off Mongolia 3-0 on Sunday.
Ashley Westwood’s team will need to beat Chinese Taipei to reach Tuesday’s qualifying final against either Macau or Guam, while a draw will be enough for their opponents to progress.
The final outcome at Mong Kok Stadium on Wednesday looked unlikely when a mixture of Mongolian stubbornness and wayward Chinese Taipei finishing kept the game scoreless for 42 minutes.
Ange Kouame, who had been among those guilty of spurning opportunities, eventually broke the deadlock following good work from Jhon Benchy, firing a strike into the top-right corner.
Wang Chien-ming had skimmed the roof of the net with a side-foot volley, while fellow wing-back Christopher Tiao Tian-long was wasteful after being picked out in the box by Benchy, as Chinese Taipei toiled at 0-0.
