Hong Kong ‘changing the narrative’, as team begins bid to reach Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia
Defender Oliver Gerbig on guard ahead of clash with hosts’ ‘quick and athletic’ forwards, but optimistic about 2027 qualifying prospects
Oliver Gerbig said an unprecedented winning streak was “changing the narrative” around Hong Kong, as the team prepared to begin their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying quest in Singapore on Tuesday.
Ashley Westwood’s side warmed up for the biggest game of the Englishman’s reign by beating Macau 2-0 last week to extend their winning run to a record-breaking seventh match.
But to reach the finals in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong must top a group also featuring India and Bangladesh.
Defender Gerbig played the entire game against Macau on Thursday after speaking to head coach Westwood about the importance of “getting minutes in my legs”, given he did not feature in either of club team Henan FC’s opening two Chinese Super League matches.
After arriving in Singapore 24 hours later, Gerbig was among a Hong Kong contingent who went to watch the understrength hosts lose 1-0 in a friendly to Nepal.
“It was good to see them play, but it wasn’t their full team, we know their frontline is very quick and athletic, and we have to be switched on,” Gerbig said.
“Every game in this group is going to be tough, and the conditions for all the away matches will be challenging, so it’s important to have a good start. We’re building something good and changing the narrative … we’re trying to be a team that competes and wins games.”