Asian Cup squad announcement

Article by Adam O'Domhnaill

Today Hong Kong fly out to Abu Dhabi for the next stage of their training camp before the Asian Cup in January. Hong Kong will then travel to take on the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Palestine in Group C. Coach Jørn Andersen selected seven Kitchee players in his squad for this historical event in Hong Kong football. Here we give you the rundown on the selections and the role they will play for the national team. Hong Kong are massive underdogs to get out of the group, but hopefully our players can impress on the big stage, and come back to help us continue our quest for success in the second half of the season.

Photo by Jarly

Tan Chun Lok, 27 years old, 41 caps/3 goals, central midfield.

Has started Hong Kong's last eight games, in either the holding role or slightly further forward in Hong Kong's games this year. Despite the lack of minutes of minutes for Kitchee he will still start for Hong Kong.

Helio, 37 years old, 34/1, centre back.

Photo by Jarly

Started six of Hong Kong's ten games in 2023, captaining two. Has had his gametime for Kitchee managed this season owing to his age (he turns 38 at the end of January). Unlikely to start three group games in nine days, but it would be a surprise if he didn't start at least one.

Photo by Jarly

Shinichi Chan, 21 years old, 10/1 left back/left winger

Made his international debut at sixteen. Missed Hong Kong's opening four games of 2023 through injury but has started four of the last six, with two sub appearances. Has played full back and wing, rotating with Fernando for club and country. Shinichi will be the likely starter at left back, with Fernando missing.

Juninho, 33 years old, 0/0, striker

Photo by Scoop

Will challenge for a starting berth either through the middle or on the wing, having received his passport in December. Likely to play on the left of a front three. Has looked good for Kitchee when fit, but has only played two games since the start of October. If fit, he probably starts.

Photo by Jarly

Law Tsz Chun, 26 years old, 24/1, right back/right winger

Tends to play further forward for Hong Kong than he does for Kitchee. In 2023, all his international appearances were on the wing (3 starts, 4 sub). The naturalisation of four forwards since the summer means he has been listed as a defender for the tournament, and will likely be the back up right back. May start on the wing if Hong Kong opt for a defensive setup.

Poon Pui Hin, 23 years old, 6/2, winger/striker

Photo by Jarly

Two starts and four sub appearances since his Hong Kong debut in March. Only one league start for Kitchee this season. Scored in both of Hong Kong's training camp warmup games against Kitchee and HKU23. Put Hong Kong into the Asian Games semi finals with his goal against Iran. Will face stiff competition from Hong Kong's array of naturalised forwards for a starting berth, but has a bond with Andersen from the Asian Games run.

Photo by Jarly

Oliver Gerbig, 25 years old, 1/0, centre back

Made his debut in the dying moments in Iran. With both Leung brothers left out and Andy Russell's retirement he is probably fourth choice centre back. Unlikely to play but a versatile backup, with the ability to play holding midfield or right back.

While there is a lengthy break until Kitchee's next competitive game, there is the HKFA's new competition over the coming week, the Hong Kong Premier League Cup. Kitchee take on Eastern at 8pm on Friday 29th at Mong Kok Stadium, with either a third place play off or a final on New Year's Day, also at Mong Kok Stadium. Tickets for Friday's game are $80 for adults, and for the double header on new Year's Day it is $100 for both games.

Thanks to Jarly for his photos this week, find more of his work here

Scoop's other work can be found here Instagram Facebook

Keep in touch with us via social media.

Instagram 

Facebook