Hong Kong legend will consider international exit if Asian Cup quest ends in failure
Goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai says teammates playing in mainland China are helping the city team become a growing force.
Record-breaking Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai has said he would consider his international future should the city team fail to reach a second straight Asian Cup finals.
Yapp has amassed 111 appearances following his debut in February 2010, 40 more than the 71 gained by the city team’s second-most capped player, recently retired midfielder Huang Yang.
Hong Kong, who are second in their qualifying group, are poised for pivotal back-to-back meetings with Bangladesh this month.
Yapp said he felt taking six points from the games would give his side, who are No 146 in the latest Fifa world rankings, a “big chance” of top spot and a ticket to the 2027 Saudi Arabian tournament.
They will host Singapore in November, before visiting India next March for their final qualifier.
“The Bangladesh games are very significant,” Yapp said. “It’s important for Hong Kong football that we can go to the finals again. If we don’t qualify, I would have to see how my condition was, and find out the thoughts of the coach before I decided whether to carry on.”