AFC Champions League 2: Tai Po FC Departs for Australia Group Stage Match
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Premier League champions Tai Po FC has departed for Australia with an 18-player squad ahead of their AFC Champions League 2 group stage debut against Adelaide United on Thursday, September 17. The "Green Warriors" face a grueling travel itinerary with no direct flights to Adelaide, necessitating a 10-hour flight to Sydney followed by a 5-hour domestic connection. Head coach Lee Chi-kin expressed concern about the physical toll on players while acknowledging Adelaide United's strength and serious approach to the competition. Nearly half the traveling squad is experiencing their first AFC competition journey, which the coach views as a valuable learning opportunity. Assistant coach Gerson, a 33-year-old midfielder, has also been registered for the match.
Key Points
- Tai Po FC's 18-player squad departed Hong Kong International Airport on Monday evening, September 14, with arrival in Adelaide expected around midday Tuesday
- The team must transit via Sydney due to no direct flights to Adelaide, adding approximately 15 hours of total travel time compared to typical away matches
- Five Hong Kong Chinese players included in the squad: Tse Ka-wing, Lo Siu-kei, Chan Chiu-kwan, Li Ka-ho, and Wong Hin-chun
- Foreign players in the traveling party include Fernando, Brendon, Gabriel, Wellington, Leonardo, Shim Seung-hyun, Arante, Lando, Mourinho, Valcen, Choi Lap-jing, and Marquinhos
- Head coach Lee Chi-kin believes this represents excellent exposure for his players to observe Asian-level football in terms of team ability, match scale, and training facilities
Why It Matters
This fixture represents one of the most challenging away journeys for any Hong Kong club in continental competition, testing the physical and mental resilience of a relatively inexperienced squad. The exposure to Australian professional football, combined with the scale of AFC competition, could provide valuable benchmarks for Tai Po's development as they aim to compete at the regional level . For Hong Kong football's growing presence in Asian competitions, positive performances against established Australian clubs help raise the profile of the local league and inspire future generations of local talent .
This fixture represents one of the most challenging away journeys for any Hong Kong club in continental competition, testing the physical and mental resilience of a relatively inexperienced squad. The exposure to Australian professional football, combined with the scale of AFC competition, could provide valuable benchmarks for Tai Po's development as they aim to compete at the regional level . For Hong Kong football's growing presence in Asian competitions, positive performances against established Australian clubs help raise the profile of the local league and inspire future generations of local talent .