'Very big gap' ahead of Asian Cup return, HK football coach says

Hong Kong will play their first Asian Cup match in 55 years on Sunday with their coach admitting that the "gap is very big" to the continent's footballing elite.

The team are the lowest ranked in Qatar and Jorn Andersen said it would be a learning experience, starting with an opener against the United Arab Emirates.

"We cannot go in with too much or too high expectations," the Norwegian said Saturday. "We are here... to take experience, to learn and to try to do our best.

"We play against teams in the groups that are miles -- more than 50 places or more -- better than us in the FIFA rankings."

Hong Kong's group also contains Palestine and Iran, the latter team among the favourites for the tournament.

"I think the gap is very big with these teams," Andersen said. "But football is football. We have to play the matches first, then we can see what we can do against them."

Goalkeeper and national team stalwart Yapp Hung-fai echoed his coach's measured approach.

"We are here to enjoy the competition and try our best to show our good performances," said the team's all-time appearance record-holder.

"And we will hopefully get some good performances and good results."