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Local football fans were treated to a night of electrifying action though the Hong Kong team and Bangladesh settled for a 1-1 draw in the Asian Cup qualifiers tonight at Kai Tak Stadium.
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The home match at Kai Tak Stadium has drawn a passionate sea of red as nearly 50,000 spectators cheer for the local team.
A bigger, newly designed Tifo with giant dragon and tiger was revealed across the stands. The new Tifo is reportedly twice as large as the one that excited fans during the home match against India.
There was also a surprise giveaway — a lucky fan who could drive home a car sponsored by one of the event partners.
Some changes to Hong Kong’s lineup as goalkeeper Tse Ka-wing took his place between the posts as expected, stepping in for veteran Yapp Hung-fai, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during the team’s previous away match against Bangladesh.
Up front, the attack was spearheaded by Matthew Elliot Orr Wing-kai, Junior Walter and Everton Camargo, forming a three-pronged strike force.
Hong Kong team leader Orr opened the scoreline in the 36th minute as he beat the Bangladesh goalkeeper with a penalty kick. The spot kick was awarded after Bangladesh defender brought Fernando Pedreira down in the box.
It was the only goal for the first half od the match. However, the advantage for the home team vanished in the 76th minute as center back Oliver Gerbig got his second yellow card and being sent out.
That eventually led to the counter attack from the Bangladesh side as their winger Rakib Hossain tied the game to 1-1 in the 84th minute.
Although the home team tried their best to turn the tables around, their effort were in vain after the tight match.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui arrived at the Kai Tak Stadium at around 7.30pm with local tennis star Coleman Wong Chak-lam after watching a tennis match at the Kai Tak Arena. Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi Kin-pan and Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming were also present to inspect the event.
Following the match, Law stated that the players' competitive spirit exemplified the essence of the Hong Kong team and expressed gratitude to the fans for their passionate support.
Regarding the stadium and facilities, Law said the Hong Kong Football Association is currently engaged in discussions with the Kai Tak Sports Park, aiming to achieve a reasonable and mutually beneficial agreement.
She pointed out that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department only allocated 127 sessions each year in the past to Hong Kong Premier League teams for home games and training. This year, the number has increased to 252.
The restrictions have also been relaxed for fans using cheerleading props in LCSD's venues to better enjoy the atmosphere on site, she added.
Three hours before the match began, long queues had already formed outside the stadium. A large number of fans lined up for security checks, many holding cheer towels and taking photos outside the venue. The food court in the retail area also turned into a “red sea.”
Many Hong Kong team fans arrived early to buy souvenirs from nearby outlets.
(Updated at 11.22pm)
