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The Football Association of Hong Kong, China
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A controversial pick for Hong Kong team, Lau seeks chance to show worth

Kyle Lau eyes first international goal at East Asian Football Championship, after promising cameo against Japan

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Kyle Lau takes aim during January’s Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup second leg at Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: Elson Li
Paul McNamarain Seoul

Kyle Lau Ka-kiu endured a controversial welcome to international football, but having had his selection for Hong Kong queried by some, he intends to make his big break count, starting against South Korea on Friday.

Based in the United States, where he has studied for the past four years, Lau last month found himself in the eye of a storm when he was handed his debut during the Asian Cup qualifying win over India at Kai Tak Stadium – ahead of local favourite Lau Chi-lok.

Many supporters pointed to Lau Chi-lok’s 18-goal season in Hong Kong for BC Rangers, while fellow forward Kyle Lau, who has played only 29 senior club games, was often across the Pacific, playing for his Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens university team.

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This month’s East Asian Football Championship in Seoul offers the speedy student – who earned his second cap during Tuesday’s 6-1 rout by Japan – a chance to show what head coach Ashley Westwood saw in him.

“I didn’t think about [the controversy] too much, I just wanted to give it my all,” the 23-year-old said as he looked forward to Friday’s clash with the host Koreans.

Kyle Lau (right) celebrates his Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup goal with Raphael Merkies. Photo: Elson Li
Kyle Lau (right) celebrates his Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup goal with Raphael Merkies. Photo: Elson Li

“I’m really grateful for the trust the coach puts in me, and I want to pay him back.

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