AFC Asian Cup: Hong Kong can cause ‘sensation’ and reach knockout phase, Jorn Andersen says – but he adds vital caveat
- Coach says it can only happen if team score more of their chances, and reveals his frustrations at the openings missed in the draw with Cambodia
- Michael Udebuluzor set to make debut in Monday’s home match against Brunei – and the teen shrugs off any pressure to solve goal shortage
Jorn Andersen has challenged Hong Kong’s footballers to cause “a sensation” at January’s AFC Asian Cup, insisting they can shock a more fancied team – provided they start converting the goalscoring chances they create.
Head coach Andersen said on Saturday he has his sights set on the knockout phase at the continental finals in Qatar, and wants his players to show him they can deliver it.
That quest will continue on Monday, when he is set to unleash both of the newly eligible Michael Udebuluzor and Everton Camargo in attack in the friendly at home to Brunei. For Andersen, it will be another stepping stone.
“If we have one victory in Qatar, we can maybe go to the next stage,” he said. “That would be a sensation for Hong Kong. And if we make good on the chances we are creating in matches, sooner or later we can beat a big one.”
The message for those aspiring to be part of it was clear.
