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Hong Kong defeats Maldives 2-0 in FIFA World Cup qualifying

Xinhua, June 16, 2015 Adjust font size:

Hong Kong defeated Maldives 2-0 in the FIFA Russia World Cup Asian Zone qualifying campaign in Mongkok stadium here on Tuesday.

Hong Kong had opened its qualifying campaign in a splendid fashion by overpowering the visiting Bhutan 7-0 last Thursday.

In their second match in Group C, Maldives almost made their first score in the 9th minute, but only saw Ali Ashfaq's free-kick denied by the bar. Fifteen minutes later, the team ranking 178th in the FIFA world rankings, got another chance to break the deadlock as Ashadh Ali's powerful shot blocked by Hong Kong defender Baise Festus.

Hong Kong dominated the field in the second half as Xu Deshuai opened the score for the host in the 63th minute with a beautiful long kick, while Lam Ka Wai added another by a powerful free-kick only five minutes later.

For the Asian Zone qualifiers, 40 teams have been divided into eight groups to play home and away round-robin matches. The eight group winners and the four best runners-up will advance to the third round qualification.

Hong Kong has been drawn in group C with Qatar, Maldives, Bhutan and China. Hong Kong's next match will be against China on Sept 3. Endi