Striker Pereira latest star to issue positive passport update ahead of Hong Kong Asian Cup finals campaign

Hong Kong could be poised for embarrassment of striking riches, Pereira confident over receiving passport ‘within two weeks’

Southern star follows Juninho in issuing positive bulletin, head coach Andersen’s attacking resources deepen in time for AFC Asian Cup finals

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Stefan Pereira has switched on the goals fountain since joining Southern in 2020. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Published: 12:30pm, 28 Nov 2023Updated: 1:27pm, 28 Nov 2023

Stefan Pereira has joined fellow Brazil-born forward Juninho in declaring his expected availability for Hong Kong’s AFC Asian Cup finals campaign in January.

Southern striker Pereira completed his seven-year residency in early 2023, and expects his protracted passport application process to reach a fruitful conclusion “within two weeks”.

Such an outcome would allow Pereira, who has scored 10 goals in 10 matches this season, to link up with Jorn Andersen’s squad for next month’s pre-tournament training camp.

Head coach Andersen said during this month’s Fifa international window that he hoped Pereira and Juninho would receive clearance in time for the Asian competition.

Barring any unseen developments, Pereira will get the go-ahead soon after Juninho, who expects to receive his passport this week.

Brazil-born Pereira expects his passport in time to represent Hong Kong at the Asian Cup finals. Photo: Chan Kin-wa

“Hong Kong immigration are waiting for some papers from Brazil, and when they arrive, I will get the passport,” Pereira said. “I think, within two weeks I will have my documents and passport, so I hope I am available for the training camp [beginning on December 14].

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