AFC Asian Cup: Hong Kong’s record-winning run over after drab draw with Singapore
Matt Orr clatters bar with visitors’ best attempt, as Ashley Westwood’s team settle for scoreless stalemate at Singapore National Stadium
Hong Kong began their AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a drab goalless draw in Singapore on Tuesday, bringing an end to their record winning run but making a solid start in the bid to reach Saudi Arabia in 2027.
However, they may yet come to regret not taking maximum points against limited opponents at Singapore National Stadium, even if it did take Hong Kong 40 minutes to muster an attempt on target.
And when it came, goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud easily claimed Matt Orr’s header from Everton Camargo’s left-wing corner. When the same pair combined in identical fashion 16 minutes after half-time, Orr’s effort from 12 yards crashed back off the bar.
It was the hosts that had made the early running, and Singapore thought they had a second-minute lead when Lionel Tan forced a close-range effort past Yapp Hung-fai, only for Chae Sanghyeop, the referee, to penalise the defender for handball.
And Yapp made a fine reaction stop when Glenn Kweh prodded Harhys Stewart’s 25th-minute cross on target. Kweh regathered possession, after Hami Syahin shanked the follow up, but Oliver Gerbig was on hand to clear the danger.
Hong Kong began to gain some control when Ashley Westwood swapped disgruntled midfielder Wong Wai for right-back Yue Tze-nam after 35 minutes. Fernando pushed forward into midfield and, in first-half stoppage time, the 38-year-old fed Camargo for a strike that was deflected behind by Tan.