Hong Kong hopeful of maiden EAFF Championship win against arch-rival China
- Hong Kong have never won a game at any East Asia Football Federation tournament, losing all 11 matches, including their last two against Japan and South Korea
- China will be represented by their Under-23 side and Hong Kong coach Andersen says Wednesday’s match is their best hope yet
Hong Kong have yet to win a match at the EAFF Championship but will have their best chance when they take on China at the Toyota Stadium in Nagoya on Wednesday.
The city has made it four times to the regional tournament, which features three regular participants – Japan, South Korea and China and one qualifier. So far, Hong Kong have played 11 matches overall, including the last two in this year’s event and have lost them all.
Against the China Under-23 side, Wednesday’s game should be their best hope for a maiden win – after being thrashed by Japan and South Korea 6-0 and 3-0 respectively over the past week.
There has always been a strong rivalry between the two sides whenever they meet at international level, especially when Hong Kong beat China 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier in Beijing in 1985 – a result that sparked street riots in the capital.
The 2018 World Cup Asian zone qualifiers also had a lot of focus when the two sides were drawn into the same group, amid anti-government feeling in Hong Kong.
Many Hong Kong fans booed the national anthem when it was played at home matches. Both home and away matches between the two teams finished with a goalless draw.
Fuelled by the historical background, the latest encounter will be much anticipated, given China will be led by a Hong Kong born player.
