Exhausted and forgiven Hong Kong striker aiming to avoid Singapore tears
Michael Udebuluzor confident of overcoming jet lag and breathing issues in time for the crunch Kai Tak Stadium clash
A jet-lagged and exhausted Michael Udebuluzor has vowed to be fit and firing for Hong Kong’s “do-or-die” Asian Cup qualifying clash with Singapore next Tuesday.
Striker Udebuluzor, who plays for Estonian top-flight side JK Tallinna Kalev, was replaced after 55 minutes of the 1-1 friendly draw with Cambodia on Thursday after he complained about breathing problems.
The 21-year-old was back in the squad following his exclusion from September and October get-togethers as punishment for calling Chinese supporters b******* after Hong Kong’s 1-0 East Asian finals defeat by China in July.
“I love coming back to Hong Kong. It feels good to wear the jersey again and I want to give everything,” Udebuluzor said. “I tried [against Cambodia], but I didn’t feel great, and I couldn’t breathe properly.
“I arrived on Sunday night and have barely slept. I’m still jet-lagged and exhausted. By Tuesday, my system will have started functioning properly.”
Udebuluzor acknowledged that the game with Singapore at a sold-out Kai Tak Stadium would be one of the biggest of his career.