Fifa World Cup 2026: Hong Kong survive huge Bhutan scare to reach Asian qualifying group stage
- Head coach Jorn Andersen’s team are left rocking during a 2-0 defeat in Thimphu in the second leg of their play-off
- But visitors had done heavy lifting by winning last week’s first leg 4-0, allowing them to overcome Bhutan and thin Himalayan air to advance
Hong Kong survived an almighty fright against Bhutan on Tuesday night to book their spot in the Fifa World Cup Asian qualification group stage.
Head coach Jorn Andersen’s team lost 2-0 in Thimphu, and were rocking when the hosts scored their second goal two minutes after half-time.
But the visitors had done a lot of heavy lifting when they won last week’s play-off first leg 4-0. And they ultimately overcame a revved-up Bhutan and the thin Himalayan air to advance to a group featuring Iran, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
It had initially all looked rather straightforward for Andersen’s side. Hong Kong were nowhere near their quick and fluent best, but slowed the game – the locals were furious with the weak officiating that allowed the away team to take 30 seconds over restarts – and prevented Bhutan creating any momentum.
But Chencho Gyeltshen, the Bhutan captain, nipped in front of Li Ngai-hoi to head home a cross from Sherub Dorji and light a fire under the hosts after 28 minutes.
Tan Chun-lok went into the book for illegally halting a counter-attack, and Tse Ka-wing – who replaced Yapp Hung-fai in goal – remonstrated with his defenders for allowing a shot from distance.