Hong Kong defender targets historic win to break 40-year drought against China
Hong Kong were rigid and determined in a 2-0 loss to hosts South Korea on Friday, three days after failing to do themselves justice in a heavy 6-1 defeat by Japan.
Centre-back Jones credited a change of structure for 'making us more competitive' and said a first meaningful meeting with the Chinese since 2022 was 'a chance, against good opposition, to show what we can do'.
Hong Kong beat China 2-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on New Year's Day last year, but May 19 marked the 40th anniversary of the city team's only competitive success against their mainland rivals: a 2-1 World Cup qualifying win in Beijing.
'A lot of people feel strongly about the Hong Kong team, and China is a big derby game; a big rivalry,' Jones said.
Former Scotland youth international Leon Jones strides forward during Hong Kong's 2-0 loss to South Korea. Photo: HKFA
'I know it means a lot to our travelling support, and to the fans back in Hong Kong.
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