Andersen praises Hong Kong, teams get down to training

Head coach Jorn Andersen was ecstatic after Hong Kong edged China 2-1 in an international friendly on Monday, with both teams preparing for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.
In the friendly match played in Abu Dhabi, Poon Pui Hin scored twice in the second half as Hong Kong defeated China for the first time in nearly 30 years. One has to go back another decade, to May 1985, for the last time Hong Kong toppled China in a competitive game, a famous 2-1 triumph in a World Cup qualifier in Beijing.
“I don’t have to motivate the team against China,” said Andersen. “But it was important how we attacked them, how close we were when defending, and how we won the ball and had a good transition. The biggest positive is the quick play in front, the last pass, creating chances. That is what we have to improve, and have improved in training.”
Hong Kong have qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time since 1968. They are drawn in Group C with Iran, United Arab Emirates and Palestine while China are in Group A alongside hosts Qatar, Tajikistan and Lebanon.
Indonesia, meanwhile, lost 4-0 to Libya in a friendly match played at the Antalya Stadium in Turkiye, the base of the Garudas’ preparation ahead of the Asian Cup. The two teams will meet again in a second friendly tomorrow.
Drawn in Group D, Shin Tae-yong’s side face Iraq in their opening match on January 15. They also have Japan and Vietnam for company.
Having announced his final squad, Roberto Mancini got down to work with the Saudi Arabia squad in Doha ahead of a friendly match against Lebanon at Al Gharafa Club Stadium today.
India, Malaysia and Jordan continued their respective training in Doha while Lebanon and Uzbekistan got their first workout on Wednesday. Australia, meanwhile, are based in Abu Dhabi with their Europe-based players reporting for training.