RI goal denies HK in Asian Cup

RI goal denies HK in Asian Cup

HONG KONG (AFP): A dramatic last-gasp equalizer from Indonesia's Rockey Putiray denied underdogs Hong Kong a crucial win in the two sides' Asian Cup group seven qualifying tussle here Sunday.

Outplayed and outclassed for much of the match at Hong Kong's Mongkok Stadium, the home team was just two minutes away from what would have been a priceless victory when disaster struck.

Hong Kong keeper Leung Cheuk-cheung flapped hopelessly at a free-kick swung in from the right flank, missing the ball completely and allowing Rockey to pounce and blast home to the relief of his team-mates.

Rockey's late strike came after a period of sustained pressure by the Indonesians, who were camped in Hong Kong's half for most of the match.

The visiting team had fallen a goal behind on 62 minutes when substitute striker Au Wai-lun latched on to a speculative long ball from Hong Kong captain Lee Kin-wo, shrugged off his marker and crashed home an unstoppable shot from eight yards out.

Hong Kong, who beat Cambodia 4-1 in its last match, top group seven with four points from two games.

Indonesia, whose next match is against Cambodia in Phnom Penh on Oct. 30, has one point from one game.