Nigeria-born Festus Baise gets call-up to Hong Kong squad

Sun Pegasus utility man Festus Baise is the latest foreign-born player to be called up to the Hong Kong team in preparation for World Cup soccer qualifiers, South China Morning Post reports.

Coach Kim Pan-gon said the Nigeria-born player, who can play either centre half or as a

stopping midfielder, will be included in a 35-member preliminary squad for Hong Kong’s first match in the qualifiers in three months’ time.

Hong Kong face Guam in a friendly at Mong Kok Stadium on March 28 as they build up for Asian zone qualifiers in June.

The draw for the qualifying competition will be made in Tokyo next month.

“This will be the only possible friendly match we can have before the qualifiers,” said Kim. “I know the clubs will be very busy with domestic or regional cup schedules but I need the match to test many of the players who will be part of my plan.

“Baise told me he has just obtained his Hong Kong passport and I want to give him a chance, as well as some of the players who are playing in the China league.”

Kim wants to check on three China-based players – forward Godfred Karikari, midfielder Bai He and defender Wisdom Agbo.

South China striker Chan Siu-ki, who did not play in the East Asian Cup Championship qualifier in Taiwan last November and Wong Tai Sin striker Li Jian are also under Kim’s radar.
Meanwhile, South China received a timely boost ahead of their AFC Cup tie against Yadanarbon, of Myanmar, next week by thrashing Wong Tai Sin 4-0 in the BOCG Life Premier League on Sunday. Chan Siu-ki and Evan Kostopoulos (two) scored while Su Yang conceded an own goal.

Earlier, I-Sky Yuen Long beat YFCMD 3-1. South China are now third with 23 points, three points behind leaders Kitchee.