Hong Kong defender targets historic win to break 40-year drought against China
Defensive mainstay Leon Jones aiming to impress potential suitors in blockbuster game following expiry of Kitchee contract
Leon Jones has urged Hong Kong to finish their East Asian Championship campaign in historic style when they meet China on Tuesday.
Hong Kong were rigid and determined in a 2-0 loss to hosts South Korea on Friday, three days after failing to do themselves justice in a heavy 6-1 defeat by Japan.
Centre-back Jones credited a change of structure for “making us more competitive” and said a first meaningful meeting with the Chinese since 2022 was “a chance, against good opposition, to show what we can do”.
Hong Kong beat China 2-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on New Year’s Day last year, but May 19 marked the 40th anniversary of the city team’s only competitive success against their mainland rivals: a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in Beijing.
“A lot of people feel strongly about the Hong Kong team, and China is a big derby game; a big rivalry,” Jones said.
“I know it means a lot to our travelling support, and to the fans back in Hong Kong.