On July 11, the Hong Kong football team faced a 0-2 defeat against the host nation South Korea in the second match of the 2025 East Asian Football Championship, marking their second consecutive loss in the tournament. A total of 5,521 spectators attended the match, including over 400 dedicated fans who traveled to support the Hong Kong team. The team will clash with the Chinese national team in four days, aiming for their historic first point in the East Asian Championship. However, reports have emerged post-match that several Chinese clubs are refusing to accept Let him go., involving multiple key players, which undoubtedly undermines the team’s strength.
After a tough defeat against Japan in their opening match, Hong Kong’s head coach, Vesa, made just one adjustment to the starting lineup, replacing defensive midfielder Yan Chok Bun with forward Michael, in a bid to strengthen their attack alongside An Yong Jia and Zhu Lian Nu. Facing the formidable hosts, the Hong Kong team found themselves in a fierce struggle right from the start. In the 15th minute, South Korea created their first threat when Xu Ming Guan delivered a precise cross from the right, leading to a header from Lee Hao Jae that narrowly missed the target, alerting Hong Kong’s defense. By the 26th minute, the home team transformed their aggressive play into a goal; winger Xu Min You cleverly slipped the ball into the box, where forward Jiang Shang Yun outmaneuvered Hong Kong defender Chan Jun Yi and scored, putting South Korea on the scoreboard first. Shortly after, during stoppage time in the first half, Hong Kong goalkeeper Yip Hung Fai made a crucial save, leaping to block a close-range header from Luo Xiang Hao, preventing the score from widening. As the first half concluded, Hong Kong trailed by just 0-1.
After switching sides, South Korea immediately brought on Mu Zai Xian and Wen Xuan Min to intensify their offensive, while the Hong Kong team substituted veteran Fernando with Huang Wei in an attempt to change the momentum of the game. In the 47th minute, Hong Kong had a golden opportunity when Sun Ming Qian seized on a passing error from Bian Jun Shu, but unfortunately, his shot was blocked by the timely intervention of Bian Jun Shu, redeeming himself. As the match progressed, South Korea’s attacks became increasingly fierce, and finally, in the 67th minute, Wen Xuan Min delivered a cross that was met by the towering striker Li Hao Zai, who headed the ball into the net, changing the score to 2:0. Hong Kong later brought on Liu Jia Qiao to bolster their attack, but they were unable to alter the score, ultimately losing by a two-goal margin.
