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Southern goalkeeper Ng Wai-him goes to make a save during his side’s Sapling Cup clash with Football Club. Photo: Handout

Young Hong Kong goalkeeper Ng Wai-him waiting patiently for international shot, eyes Asian Games for debut chance

  • Kwoon Chung Southern goalie watched his side comfortably beat Football Club 5-1 in Sapling Cup
  • 20-year-old has been called up several times by Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen, but is still waiting for first senior start

Kwoon Chung Southern goalkeeper Ng Wai-him was largely a passenger in his side’s 5-1 Sapling Cup win over Football Club on Saturday, a far better outcome than when he made his debut against the same side two years ago.

An upcoming goalkeeper high in confidence at the start of the 2021-22 season, Ng conceded within just 20 seconds against the Happy Valley side.

This time it took Football Club until the 85th minute to get past Ng, and Southern were already 4-0 up at that point, thanks to a 20-minute hat-trick in the first half from Jean Moser.

The only blot on the day for the home side was the loss of youngster Yau Cheuk-feng, who had his leg broken in a heavy challenge and looks like being out for the rest of the season.

At only 20, Ng has already been called up by Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen on a number of occasions, and while still waiting for a first international cap is expected to be in the Norwegians plans for the future.

Southern goalkeeper Ng Wai-him is looking forward to making his debut for Hong Kong. Photo: Handout

“I hope it will not take too long,” Ng said after Saturday’s win at Mong Kok Stadium. “It’s a dream for any player to play for the national team especially after I have come close several times.

“But I am still young and what I can do now is to keep working hard for my club so that I will be ready when the opportunity comes.”

Ng was named in the 25-member squad for the two international friendlies against Myanmar in September last year, along with veteran goalkeepers Paulo Argolo and Yapp Hung-fai. Before that he was in the EAFF Championship squad in Japan last July.

When Hong Kong travelled to India for last year’s AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, Ng was also called up as an emergency goalkeeper, making his trip to Kolkata after several Hong Kong players were severely hit by the poor condition there.

Andersen picked Tai Po goalkeeper Tse Ka-wing as a reserve for Yapp and Argolo for March’s two international friendlies, preferring Ng play in the Under-23 team at the Merlion Cup in Singapore, against the hosts and Malaysia.

Jean Moser (right) celebrates with Stefan Pereira. Photo: Southern FC

Tse, 23, is another strong candidate to replace Yapp and Argolo, who are both in their 30s, as Hong Kong’s No 1.

“I will not say I am competing with Tse for the position but we can work hard together for the future of the Hong Kong football,” Ng said. “My next target will be the Asian Games in Hangzhou this summer which will be followed by the AFC U23 Championship qualifiers.

“Of course, it will be great if I can play for Hong Kong in the Asian Cup finals in Qatar early next year, but I will not think too much about it, just do my job with Southern properly and I am sure the chance will come.”

Aside from conceding late, with midfielder Wong Sheung-choi scoring Football Club’s consolation, Southern coach Ricky Cheng Siu-chung was delighted with the attitude of his players, given the team had already qualified for the semi-finals.

Moser’s hat-trick was book-ended by Awal Mahama’s 14th minute strike, and a Stefan Pereira penalty deep into time added on.

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