Hong Kong Hero Returns for FIFA Asean Cup as New Coach Faces Pressure
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Former Hong Kong head coach Jorn Andersen made his return to the city on Thursday as the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup kicked off at Mong Kok Stadium, now steering Myanmar to a 2-0 victory over Timor-Leste in his first official match back. Andersen, who departed Hong Kong in May 2024 to take charge of Chinese club Yunnan Yukun, praised current Hong Kong coach Roberto Losada and predicted he would "take Hong Kong to a new level in the coming years" despite mounting fan criticism after just two matches in charge .
Key Points
- Former Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen returned to the city as Myanmar's head coach, leading them to a 2-0 victory over Timor-Leste at Mong Kok Stadium
- Andersen tipped current Hong Kong coach Roberto Losada, who is under fire from supporters, to "take Hong Kong to a new level in the coming years"
- Technical director John Morling, a close ally of Losada, departed after 2½ years for a role with the United Arab Emirates Football Association
- Laos defeated Brunei 3-1 in the tournament opener, with captain Bounphachan Bounkong scoring from the penalty spot
- Myanmar, ranked No. 158, achieved a remarkable 4-1 away victory over the Philippines (No. 135) at the recent Asean Championship under Andersen
Why It Matters
Andersen's return marks a notable chapter in Hong Kong football history, with his fingerprints already visible on a revitalised Myanmar side that also thrashed Laos 7-2 at the Asean Championship . The departure of experienced technical director Morling leaves Losada exposed as he attempts to build momentum, while the presence of his predecessor watching from the opposition technical area adds an extra layer of intrigue to Hong Kong's own campaign in this inaugural tournament.
Andersen's return marks a notable chapter in Hong Kong football history, with his fingerprints already visible on a revitalised Myanmar side that also thrashed Laos 7-2 at the Asean Championship . The departure of experienced technical director Morling leaves Losada exposed as he attempts to build momentum, while the presence of his predecessor watching from the opposition technical area adds an extra layer of intrigue to Hong Kong's own campaign in this inaugural tournament.