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Paul McNamara

After plundering four goals and obliging every one of the countless selfie and autograph requests at the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens on Saturday, Josh Ajala underlined his determination to convert rich promise into Premier League pedigree.
On West Ham United’s first-team bench twice this season, Ajala dampened heated speculation around his future when he signed a new two-year London Stadium contract in March.
He told the South China Morning Post that decision stemmed from “the trust West Ham showed in me and the effort they made to persuade me to stay”.
“It showed that they rated me and saw me as a big part of their future,” Ajala said.
The 19-year-old bagged a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Hong Kong, then added another as West Ham beat HKFC Captain’s Select 2-1.
A 1-0 defeat by AZ Alkmaar in their closing Group A game, where Ajala collected a yellow card, left West Ham with a daunting quarter-final against seven-times champions Aston Villa on Sunday.

Despite the pain he heaped on the city team, Ajala, who joined West Ham from Chelsea three years ago, was the primary object for fans’ attention.
“It’s not something you get often as a young player, it’s just nice to see all the kids watching, and to give them autographs and selfies to make them happy,” he said.
“This is an important tournament for me, every time I step on the pitch it’s an opportunity to showcase my talent, and I’ll never miss it. It’s tough to play here, there’s lots of space on the pitch, but I’m enjoying it.”
A key figure for West Ham’s under-21 team, Ajala was an unused substitute this year for FA Cup ties against Burton Albion and Leeds United.
“As a little boy, it was a dream to play against Premier League clubs, and to be involved in the FA Cup,” he said. “It was a brilliant experience, and, hopefully, I’ll get to taste more of it.”
Self-appointed transfer expert Fabrizio Romano was among those who tipped Ajala for a move away before he renewed terms with West Ham.
“I don’t really let what people say online get to me,” Ajala said. “I just focus on my game and, hopefully, from there, I’ll get big contracts and good moves.”
A keen observer in training of “top” first-team forwards Callum Wilson and Crysencio Summerville, Ajala has received plaudits for his football intelligence.
“Some of it comes naturally, but you have to watch a lot of matches and study the game to keep gaining that intelligence,” said Ajala, who will “cheer on West Ham” alongside roommate Tyron Akpata when they fight for their Premier League survival against Leeds on Sunday. “I’ve got confidence in them,” Ajala said.
Group winners AZ will meet Larne in the last eight. Their goalkeeper, Kiyani Zeggen, who brilliantly scored a golden-goal winner to beat Brighton in last year’s final, said: “It feels great to be back, we have a good group and we can win it again.”
A newly-introduced directive dictates that teams must permanently have at least one player in each half, and the 19-year-old Zeggen spent more time in his opponents’ territory than his own.

“I’m comfortable on the ball, and I like the rule,” he said. “We try to make our opponents confused, wondering what the goalie is doing up front. And it can free up space for other players to score.”
After his winning strike 12 months ago, Zeggen said celebrations would entail a team visit to Macau the following day.
“I woke up too late, so I stayed here with a few other guys but we enjoyed the city,” he said.
Northern Irish club Larne finished second to Villa in Group C following victories over Singapore Cricket Club and Lee Man.
Brighton, the 2024 champions, will face Scottish club Rangers in the quarter-finals.
Hosts Football Club stunned Leeds United 2-1 following a last-gasp winner from 17-year-old Cai McGunnigle, then followed up by overcoming Singapore Football Club by the same scoreline to book a last-eight game against Yokohama F Marinos of Japan.
Elsewhere, Tai Po beat BC Rangers 2-0 in their Hong Kong FA Cup semi-final following second-half goals from Patrick Valverde and Igor Sartori.
Eastern District play Northern District in the other last-four match on Sunday.


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West Ham’s Josh Ajala demonstrates his quick feet against HKFC Captain’s Select. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Football Club’s Cai McGunnigle celebrates his winning goal against Leeds. Photo: Jonathan Wong

AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Kiyani Zeggen is not afraid to venture into his opponents’ territory. Photo: HKFC 

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Bailee Brown (second from right) competing in the cycling leg at the Lianyungang Asia Triathlon Cup. Photo: Weibo

Oscar Coggins (right) readies himself for the swimming leg at the Asia Triathlon Cup on Saturday. Photo: Weibo

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Dominic Johns leads a chase for possession in Football Club’s draw with Kowloon City last week. Photo: Alan Man

Dominic Johns is relieved to be back playing but still in pain every day. Photo: Alan Man

Dominic Johns during his third straight start in Football Club’s meeting with Kowloon City last week. Photo: Alan Man

Sport

Football

Josh Ajala setting sights high after penning two-year London Stadium contract, but Hammers face daunting Aston Villa quarter-final clash


Josh Ajala setting sights high after penning two-year London Stadium contract, but Hammers face daunting Aston Villa quarter-final clash.


English Premier League

BC Rangers (Hong Kong)

Hong Kong Soccer Sevens: West Ham Premier League hopeful popular on and off the pitch

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Josh Ajala setting sights high after penning two-year London Stadium contract, but Hammers face daunting Aston Villa quarter-final clash

Josh Ajala setting sights high after penning two-year London Stadium contract, but Hammers face daunting Aston Villa quarter-final clash