In the 2025 East Asian Football Championship, Hong Kong faced off against the defending champions Japan at Long Sports Stadium in Yongin on July 8, ultimately losing 1-6. However, Hong Kong’s striker An Yongjia (Matt) made a spectacular move in the second half, scoring off a corner kick. This goal not only broke the team’s embarrassing 22-year drought without a goal in the final round since 2003 but also ended a 40-year scoring drought against Japan, making him the star of the match!
Japan’s Firepower in Full Swing as Hong Kong Team Faces Tough Battle at Half-Time
The match took place at the Yongin Sports Complex in South Korea, where the Japanese team showcased their strength from the kickoff. Hsieh Ming-liang scored a lightning-fast goal within the first four minutes, followed by three more goals, achieving a personal milestone of Four Great Joys. Additionally, Inagaki Akira’s long-range shot contributed to a dominant 5-0 lead by half-time. While the Hong Kong team, featuring players like Jordi and substitutes like Michael, made attempts to fight back, they were unable to break through Japan’s tight defense.
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In the second half, the Hong Kong team adjusted their strategy. In the 59th minute, Chen Junle took a corner kick, and An Yongjia found himself unmarked, heading the ball into the net to bring the score to 1:5, much to the delight of the Hong Kong fans in attendance!
After the match, he joked: I had no idea that it had been 40 years since I last played, until the staff informed me! He also revealed that this goal stemmed from a newly practiced corner kick tactic: We started training two days ago, learning from other teams. Coach韋斯活 is infusing new elements, making set pieces increasingly threatening..
Despite suffering a significant defeat, the Hong Kong team showed noticeable improvement in the second half, finishing the last 45 minutes level with Japan at 1:1. An Yongjia believes the team’s performance was affected by the holiday break: Fans have traveled a long way, so scoring a goal is the least we can do to repay them!. The next match for the Hong Kong team will be against South Korea, and Matt is very confident: Hope to play even better!
Photo source: Hong Kong Football Association
