Hong Kong football fans buzzing as new era in Kai Tak Stadium off to winning start
Stoppage-time penalty earns win over India, as more than 40,000 enjoy ‘incredible’ atmosphere
More than 40,000 football fans packed Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday night to see the Hong Kong team clinch a 1-0 victory over India in a historic first home game at the new venue, with the winning goal coming from a dramatic stoppage-time penalty.
The stadium was a sea of red for the crucial Asian Cup qualifier, as enthusiastic fans broke out into chants of “Hong Kong, Hong Kong” when the home side went on the attack.
Hong Kong pushed hard in the final stages of the match, creating a host of chances. But the breakthrough came in stoppage time when substitute Michael Udebuluzor earned a penalty, which Stefan Pereira duly converted to seal the 1-0 win and send the crowd into a frenzy.
The result gives Hong Kong four points from two games in the group, with a win and a draw.
The stadium was rocking at the final whistle, as fans pulled out their phones to capture the celebrations and soak up the atmosphere.
Tickets for the highly anticipated first international match of the Hong Kong team at the new 50,000-seat stadium were sold out well ahead of time.