HK hero Andersen tips Losada to take city side to ‘new level’

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 25, 2026

The first FIFA ASEAN Cup began in Hong Kong despite organisational issues and last-minute changes, with Laos and Myanmar securing early wins in the group stage. The tournament’s tight scheduling shortly after the ASEAN Championships and withdrawals of guest teams raise questions about its structure, while coaching rivalries between former Hong Kong coaches add competitive tension.

The inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup, held at Mong Kok Stadium in Hong Kong, got underway amid organisational challenges and a subdued atmosphere. A pre-tournament press conference scheduled mere hours before the opening game highlighted concerns about the event’s preparation. Laos head coach Vladica Grujic expressed frustration over last-minute scheduling, emphasizing the limited time for player recovery ahead of their match against Brunei, which Laos eventually won 3-1.

Myanmar, led by former Hong Kong head coach John Andersen, defeated Timor-Leste 2-0 in the second match of the evening. Andersen, who returned to Hong Kong in an official capacity for the first time since May 2024, has been credited with instilling a high-press, attacking style in the Myanmar team since his appointment in July. Myanmar’s recent success includes a 4-1 away victory over the Philippines and a 7-2 win against Laos in the preceding ASEAN Championships. Andersen noted the difference in mindset under his leadership, with players focused on winning every game.

The tournament faces questions regarding its timing and structure. Held just four weeks after the ASEAN Championships, the motivation for staging another competition so soon has been unclear. Initially, India and China were considered as guest teams for the top division, which is being held concurrently in Indonesia, but both withdrew. Pakistan was consequently added to the highest tier despite having a lower FIFA ranking than the majority of Division Two teams.

Former Hong Kong coaches John Andersen and Roberto Losada took prominent roles in media discussions ahead of the tournament. Andersen praised Losada’s potential to elevate Hong Kong football in the coming years, stating he sees Losada as one of the finest coaches to have worked in the city. Losada, who is facing criticism following Hong Kong’s mixed results, acknowledged the scrutiny but said he remains committed to his objectives. Since taking charge, Losada led Hong Kong to a 2-0 victory over Mongolia but later suffered a 2-0 setback against Cambodia.

Hong Kong, currently ranked 155th globally, will face Laos (186th) and Brunei (194th) in their group matches at Kai Tak Stadium ahead of the final scheduled for October 3. Losada downplayed the impact of the recent departure of technical director John Morling, who left after 2½ years for a new role with the United Arab Emirates Football Association. While recognizing Morling’s value and connections within Hong Kong football, Losada stated the team’s preparations have not been hindered.

Andersen, now coaching Myanmar, reflected on the benefits of the busy schedule and welcomed the opportunity to provide his players with more competitive matches outside traditional FIFA windows. Both coaches expressed a desire for increased playing opportunities to aid player development and tactical experimentation.

The draw for the group stage sets up a potential final showdown between Andersen’s Myanmar and Losada’s Hong Kong side, adding intrigue to the competition’s outcome.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.