As Hong Kong's football team gears up for the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) qualifiers, preparations have been notably secretive under head coach Ashley Westwood. The team is set to face Mongolia on December 10, 2024, where goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai aims to achieve a significant milestone: his 100th international cap. Yapp, who debuted in February 2010, has highlighted his career with memorable performances, including at the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar. Following the match against Mongolia, Hong Kong will take on Chinese Taipei on December 16, 2024.
The team's prospects have been bolstered by North Korea's withdrawal from the qualifiers, which improves Hong Kong's chances of advancing. However, the squad faces challenges, including the absence of defender Shinichi Chan due to club restrictions and the withdrawal of striker Michael Udebuluzor due to injury. Despite these setbacks, Hong Kong's FIFA ranking has seen an improvement, now standing at 156 following recent victories.
Leon Jones, a 26-year-old defender, has been a key player for the team, starting all four matches since Westwood's appointment. He made his international debut in June 2024 against Iran and is eager to contribute to the team’s evolving strategy. The squad will convene on December 6, 2024, to finalize preparations for the upcoming matches. With both the football and rugby teams making strides in their respective sports, Hong Kong is focused on building competitive squads capable of making a mark on the international stage, with players like Yapp Hung-fai and Leon Jones playing pivotal roles in their journeys.