Coach Ashley Westwood ‘content’ as ‘serious contenders’ Hong Kong pursue major ambitions

Ashley Westwood said Hong Kong were “gathering momentum” and positioning themselves as “serious contenders” to qualify for more major tournaments.

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Englishman Westwood has overseen a run of three straight victories ahead of next month’s East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) Championship qualifying competition in Hong Kong. Additionally, wins over the Philippines and Mauritius in this month’s Fifa window has assured the city team of a place in pot two for next month’s 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying draw. Hong Kong reached this year’s Asian Cup finals, 56 years after they last played in the competition, in 1968.

The head coach, who said he was unsure whether he would hire a replacement for assistant coach Wolfgang Luisser following the Austrian’s resignation this week, will have precious little preparation time for the EAFF qualifiers. His squad, which must be limited to 20 players, gets together on December 6, just two days before Hong Kong’s opening game against Mongolia.

On the plus side, Westwood’s players are becoming accustomed to their new style. The 48-year-old has ripped up the playbook of former boss Jorn Andersen to introduce a nuanced, possession-focused formula. The Mauritius captain, Lindsay Rose, who is a former France under-21 international, said he had been surprised by the “level” of Westwood’s side and felt they could pursue “better targets”.

The mood is very different from the start of Westwood’s reign when he was castigated by fans following September’s 1-0 defeat in Liechtenstein . After beating the Mauritians by the same scoreline on Tuesday, his name was lustily sung by the Hong Kong supporters inside Mong Kok Stadium.

Hong Kong fans have been won over by Ashley Westwood following a trio of home victories. Photo: Edmond So

“I don’t feel I have to prove anything,” Westwood said. “I’m content with what my staff and I do. I’m happy with the spirit and momentum I knew we would gather.

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