AFC Asian Cup: Hong Kong striker Michael Udebuluzor ‘putting ego aside’ for team, pushing for Palestine start
- Hong Kong have surprised the continent with feisty displays in their first two matches, but must beat Palestine to keep knockout hopes alive
- Teenage striker Udebuluzor has started four of his seven international games but has had to settle for a bench role in Qatar
Michael Udebuluzor says he is “putting my ego aside” as Hong Kong fight to make AFC Asian Cup finals history, after the teenage striker had to settle for substitute assignments in the opening two matches in Qatar.
The city’s national side must beat Palestine on Tuesday to stand any chance of a groundbreaking knockout-round appearance, on their return to the tournament after a 56-year absence.
Udebuluzor, who made his international debut in September, played the final 17 minutes of Hong Kong’s futile pursuit of an equaliser against Iran on Saturday. In the opening defeat by United Arab Emirates, he was extremely unfortunate to have a goal scrubbed off for handball, after being introduced midway through the second half.
The 19-year-old spoke to head coach Jorn Andersen about his omission from the starting 11, but insisted team ambitions far outweighed individual concerns.
“The tournament could have been better for me, so far,” Udebuluzor said. “I would like to play more, but it is how it is.
