Hong Kong’s Coach Ashley Westwood Resigns After Asian Cup Setback

The head coach of Hong Kong’s football team, Ashley Westwood, announced his resignation following a disappointing loss to Singapore in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier. The defeat, which occurred on November 21, 2023, saw Hong Kong lose a 1-0 lead, ultimately ending the match at 2-1. The loss has drawn criticism from fans and officials alike, including Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Rosanna Law.

In a statement released on November 24, Westwood confirmed that he had reached an agreement with the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) to step down from his position. He acknowledged the challenges faced during his tenure, stating, “The time has come to step aside. It’s been an incredible 15 months with progress in ranking, playing style, and lifting a trophy in the EAFF qualifiers.”

Westwood expressed a sense of personal disappointment over the team’s inability to qualify for the Asian Cup. “The disappointment of not qualifying for the Asian Cup is something I have to live with, and nobody is hurting more than me,” he noted. He also reflected on the positive aspects of his time in charge, mentioning the incredible atmosphere at Kai Tak Stadium and the support from fans, saying, “Seeing Kai Tak full of amazing fans, seven straight wins, record attendances, and a united region are memories I’ll never forget.”

During his tenure, which began in August 2024, Westwood managed a record of 10 wins and six losses over 20 matches. Despite the recent setback, his leadership had previously shown promise, lifting the team’s performance and enhancing their ranking on the international stage.

The HKFA has yet to announce a successor to Westwood. As discussions about the future of the team continue, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and preparing for upcoming challenges in international football. The organization will need to find a new coach capable of harnessing the momentum created during Westwood’s time and addressing the strategic discrepancies highlighted by Law’s comments regarding match tactics.

As Hong Kong looks to the future, fans remain eager for a turnaround that honors the support shown during Westwood’s era, hoping to build on the foundation laid in recent years.