AFC Asian Cup
Victory would have placed the East Asian side within touching distance of the Finals but Rakib Hussain's 84th minute goal meant the spoils were shared, with captain Matt Orr having given Hong Kong, China the lead in the 36th minute much to the delight of the more than 45,000 fans in the Kai Tak Stadium.
“We’re really disappointed with the result. The fans came to support us and we wanted to win as much as them,” said head coach Westwood.
“It was tough. The sending off (defender Oliver Gerbig in the 77th minute) was harsh, it was a big moment in the game and it changed a lot,” said Westwood.
“It was tough. The sending off (defender Oliver Gerbig in the 77th minute) was harsh, it was a big moment in the game and it changed a lot,” said Westwood.
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The stalemate meant Hong Kong, China allowed Singapore back into the race, with the sides to meet on November 18 in a winner-takes-all showdown.
“When you see what’s at stake, we were very close to qualifying. We’re unbeaten, but it does feel like a missed opportunity. We wanted to give the fans a fairy-tale ending but we’re still well in control.”
The reverse fixture in March ended in a goalless stalemate and their November showdown promises to be an epic, with Hong Kong, China seeking a second successive qualification while Singapore are making to grace the continental stage on merit for the first time.
“When you see what’s at stake, we were very close to qualifying. We’re unbeaten, but it does feel like a missed opportunity. We wanted to give the fans a fairy-tale ending but we’re still well in control.”
The reverse fixture in March ended in a goalless stalemate and their November showdown promises to be an epic, with Hong Kong, China seeking a second successive qualification while Singapore are making to grace the continental stage on merit for the first time.
