Hong Kong ‘2 big results’ from second straight Asian Cup finals, Westwood says
Coach Ashley Westwood eyes early qualification for the 2027 tournament in Saudi Arabia, as city team get set for Bangladesh rematch
Head coach Ashley Westwood has targeted the “two big results” that would book Hong Kong’s 2027 Asian Cup finals spot, after a stunning 4-3 victory in Bangladesh on Thursday.
That result, combined with second-placed Singapore drawing at home against India, gave Hong Kong a two-point lead at the top of qualifying Group C with three matches remaining.
It had looked like Hong Kong would toss away the chance to capitalise on Singapore’s stumble when Bangladesh drew level at 3-3 in the ninth minute of added time.
But forward Raphael Merkies, who had replaced Nicholas Benavides for the second half, completed a brilliant hat-trick with virtually the last kick of the game.
“We had the desire … we’re desperate to qualify for the Asian Cup,” Westwood said. “We knew that if we won we would be in the box seat in the group.”
Hong Kong will welcome Bangladesh to a packed Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday. Singapore visit next month, but the venue for that fixture has not been confirmed.