King’s Cup: Hong Kong hammer Fiji after red mist descends on Pacific Islanders
Jesse Yu and Juninho both net doubles in 8-0 thrashing after Pacific Islanders implode with two early red cards
Hong Kong hammered nine-man Fiji 8-0 in their final King’s Cup match in Thailand on Sunday, a result helped hugely by the Pacific Islanders’ own ill-discipline.
The one-sided contest, against a side Hong Kong drew one-all with 12 months ago, was probably not what Ashley Westwood would have wanted to prepare for next month’s key back-to-back Asian Cup qualifiers against Bangladesh.
But it ended a four-match losing streak, while impressive midfielder Jesse Yu Joy-yin broke his international scoring duck with a first-half double, and Everton Camargo bagged a goal and four assists.
The victory secured third spot in the competition, which also includes Iraq and the hosts.
Before Fiji aimed both barrels at their own feet, Hong Kong had been the more assured side without managing to test goalkeeper Isikeli Sevanaia.
A moment of madness from Ratu Waranaivalu softened the city team’s task. Trying to escape the close attention of Ngan Cheuk-pan, the Fiji captain threw an elbow that sent the Hong Kong midfielder flying to the floor.