China’s halt on tourist visas leaves Hong Kong footballer in limbo as he waits to play for city’s national team
- Cameroonian player Mahama Awal needs to visit Beijing to complete his switch of nationality, but is unable to cross the Hong Kong and mainland China border
- China has reopened the border with Hong Kong, but is granting entry visas to foreigners only for business purposes or visiting relatives
Awal needs to visit Beijing to formally renounce his Cameroonian nationality so that he can apply for a Hong Kong passport. If he were to get there soon, he could yet be available for Hong Kong’s friendlies late this month against Singapore and Malaysia.
The forward played in Kwoon Chung Southern’s 5-0 victory over struggling Sham Shui Po in their Jockey Club Sapling Cup group A match at Tai Po Sports Ground on Sunday.
Although the 31-year-old was not on the score sheet, he maintained a constant threat with his speed and unselfish running on the right flank.
However, it took them an hour to break the stalemate after a barren first half. Defender Tomas Maronesi put them ahead after a goalmouth scramble from a corner at the 62-minute mark before forward Stefan Pereira, who missed a number of chances in the first half, added to the tally.
Jean Moser then hit a brace to settle the outcome before substitute Jahangir Khan wrapped up a fine outing with a powerful low drive in stoppage time.
