https://www.the-afc.com/competitions/afc-asian-cup/news/hong-kong-s-paatelainen-calls-up-25-players-ahead-of-asian-qualifiers-resumption
Hong Kong: Hong Kong head coach Mixu Paatelainen has named a 25-man squad to travel to Bahrain for his team’s remaining matches in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023.
The Finnish coach has picked 16 players from Hong Kong Premier League title chasing duo Eastern and Kitchee as the territory looks to make an impact in Group C against Bahrain, Iraq, Islamic Republic of Iran and Cambodia.
Veteran goalkeeper Yapp Hung Fai is one of nine Eastern players to be selected while reigning champions Kitchee are represented by seven players, including Brazil-born defender Helio Goncalves.
Hong Kong are currently in fourth place in the five-team group with five points from their first five games.
Paatelainen’s side trail leaders Iraq by six points and take on the Iranians on June 3 before facing Iraq eight days later. They complete their schedule on June 15 when they take on Bahrain.