Record attendance at Kai Tak as HK loses to SG in Asian Cup qualifier

The 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers held at the main stadium of Kai Tak Sports Park on Tuesday (18 November) attracted 47,762 spectators, setting a new attendance record at the venue.

In the match, the Hong Kong team lost 1-2 to Singapore at home, missing their opportunity to advance to the final round.

Meanwhile, a red sea of Hong Kong team supporters filled the stadium throughout the night, armed with a newly designed Tifo and roaring voices to fuel the team’s quest for a spot in the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. 

The North stand's support area featured a giant Tifo featuring the image of a person wearing the number 12 Hong Kong jersey walking toward a boarding pass labeled "Asian Cup" as the destination. Below it, a large banner read, "BRING US TO THE ASIAN CUP 2027".

Speaking on a radio programme on Commercial Radio the morning before the competition, Chester Cheung, a member of a Hong Kong fan group, said that the dynamic two-in-one display aimed to energise the home team and intimidate the opposition. He added that the fan group has a cheer manual on their social media, featuring various songs and rhythms to help fans coordinate their Tifo display. The supporters would cheer loudly for the Hong Kong team, celebrating every great moment with applause.

While the Hong Kong team took the lead last night, going up 1-0 at halftime, the second half saw Singapore make a strong comeback after a substitution. In the 63rd minute, Singapore equalised with a clean shot, followed by a powerful strike in the 68th minute that put them ahead. In just five minutes, the Hong Kong team's lead turned into a deficit, resulting in a final score of 1-2.

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Hong Kong executives, including financial secretary Paul Chan and secretary for culture, sports and tourism Rosanna Law, also attended the match and expressed their thoughts on social media. Chan noted that Hong Kong fans filled Kai Tak Sports Park, creating a sea of red and an electric atmosphere as everyone fervently supported the team. Meanwhile, after the match, Law expressed her disappointment with the results but understood that football can be unpredictable.

Back in October, Law revealed plans to designate Kai Tak Stadium as the regular home ground for the Hong Kong football representative team. She said that the Football Association of Hong Kong China, had been in talks with Kai Tak Sports Park. The government aimed to reach an agreement that would support the Hong Kong football, including the city's premier league.

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