Hong Kong set for Fifa Asean Cup Cambodia and Brunei battles

Hong Kong will have an immediate opportunity to climb into the top tier of the Fifa Asean Cup this year, according to a report from Southeast Asia.

News emerged last week that Hong Kong would compete as hosts in Division 2 of the inaugural tournament, although no confirmation was forthcoming from the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), Fifa nor the Asean Football Federation.

It has been said in a Vietnamese publication that the city team, currently No 155 in the Fifa global standings, will contest a group with Cambodia, ranked No 177, and 193rd-ranked Brunei.

The winners would then meet whichever team tops a second group, comprising Myanmar, Laos and East Timor, for the right to play in Division 1 of the next edition.

An HKFA spokesman said the organisation was not yet in a position to confirm any details about the mooted tournament.

Currently under the interim charge of Roberto Losada as they hunt a new head coach, Hong Kong are set to play two friendly matches next month. Mongolia are thought to be the likely opponents for a home game at Kai Tak Stadium, with the city team also in line for their first visit to Cambodia since a 1-1 draw in September 2023.