Ashley Westwood Takes Charge as Hong Kong Football Coach

Ashley Westwood, former Afghanistan head coach and Manchester United trainee, has been appointed as the new coach for Hong Kong’s football team. He replaces Jorn Andersen and aims to lead the team to the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. Westwood brings extensive coaching experience from India and Malaysia.

Ashley Westwood, who once led Afghanistan's national football team, has officially been named the head coach of Hong Kong's football squad. The announcement came on Wednesday from the territory's football association, as Westwood steps into the role vacated by Norway's Jorn Andersen.

Westwood, who began his career as a trainee at Manchester United, brings a wealth of experience from coaching stints with Indian clubs Bengaluru FC and Punjab FC, as well as Malaysia's Penang FA. The 47-year-old is optimistic about the potential he sees in Hong Kong's players.

"I've played here before with my Indian sides and witnessed their standard firsthand. I believe there are quality players in Hong Kong," stated Westwood, who aims to guide the team to the Asian Cup for the first time since 1968, when the tournament is held in Saudi Arabia in 2027.

(With inputs from agencies.)