HONG KONG, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong, China whitewashed Bhutan 4-0 in the Preliminary Joint Qualification Round 1 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 on Thursday at Hong Kong Stadium, moving a step closer to the next round.
According to the schedule, 10 teams will book their places in the next round after two-legged clashes in Round 1.
Bhutan were outclassed and could hardly string together a run of play, while Hong Kong, China were aggressive with Michael Udebuluzor scoring in the 10th and 16th minute, putting the home side firmly in charge.
Minutes later, Hong Kong, China won back possession. Chan Shinichi perfectly controlled a long ball to drill home from a close range, before the opposites' awarded an own goal.
The second leg of the two teams will kick off next Tuesday. ■
