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AFC Asian Cup 2023
SportFootball

Asian Cup finals: Hong Kong follow historic win over China with loss to Tajikistan in next warm-up

  • Much-changed Hong Kong team lose to Tajikistan in Abu Dhabi despite Everton Camargo strike
  • Coach Jorn Andersen makes raft of changes, but hopes to field his best team in the final warm-up against Saudi Arabia

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Hong Kong players celebrate Everton Camargo’s goal against Tajikistan on Thursday. Photo: HKFA
Paul McNamara

Jorn Andersen plans to field his strongest 11 when Hong Kong complete their AFC Asian Cup finals preparations against Saudi Arabia next week, after a much-changed side lost to Tajikistan in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

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Head coach Andersen called the 2-1 defeat behind closed doors a valuable “learning experience” after retaining only four players from the team who on Monday earned Hong Kong’s first victory over China in 29 years.

Everton Camargo, one of the quartet starting successive matches, scored Hong Kong’s goal. The forward struck left-footed from distance after 33 minutes, following a 25th-minute opener from Tajikistan attacker Rustam Soirov.

Tajikistan – 106th in the latest Fifa rankings to Hong Kong’s 150th – restored their advantage with a goal from Shahrom Samiev six minutes after half-time.

Everton Camargo scored for Hong Kong in their practice match against Tajikistan in Abu Dhabi. Photo: HKFA
Everton Camargo scored for Hong Kong in their practice match against Tajikistan in Abu Dhabi. Photo: HKFA

Hong Kong have now scored in eight of their past 10 fixtures including practice matches, following an infusion of fresh attacking blood, to leave Andersen looking forward with confidence.

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