AFC Asian Cup: Udebuluzor ready for China outing, says Hong Kong will tackle regional tournament with ‘heart and desire’

Michael Udebuluzor believes he’ll have shaken off his hamstring injury in time to take on China on New Year’s Day

Teenager ‘loves’ increased striking competition, and says Hong Kong aren’t just going to Asian Cup to make up the numbers

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Michael Udebuluzor scored twice in Hong Kong’s World Cup qualifying win over Bhutan, but the striker must fend off competition for his place at the Asian Cup finals. Photo: Elson Li

Published: 12:06pm, 31 Dec 2023

Michael Udebuluzor is confident of being fit for Hong Kong’s friendly against China on Monday, after recovering from a hamstring injury that has left him sidelined since the World Cup qualifier against Turkmenistan on November 21.

The 19-year-old initially trained individually after linking up with Jorn Andersen’s squad last week, but has now rejoined his teammates ahead of the match in Abu Dhabi on New Year’s Day.

Hong Kong begin their AFC Asian Cup finals campaign against United Arab Emirates in Al Rayyan on January 14, and also face Iran and Palestine in Group C of the Qatar tournament.

Udebuluzor made his Hong Kong debut in September after a drawn out passport application process, and has two goals in five international appearances.

Michael Udebuluzor (right) has been troubled by hamstring problems but expects to face China. Photo: HKFA

“My hamstring is continually getting better and, hopefully, it will stay good for a long time,” Udebuluzor said. “Training has been intense, we have to be ready for games every four days and, to get the results we need, we have to train and play at a high level.

“I will be ready for the China game, and it feels good to be back with the squad. We will go into the tournament with heart and desire. Our goal is to show everybody we are not there just to participate, we are there to compete.”