Hong Kong needed to win to qualify for the Finals for the first time since 1968, but the visitors’ hopes were hit early by the loss of defender Helio Goncalves, who was replaced just 11 minutes into the game by Tong Kin-man after sustaining a knee injury.
The home side took command just seven minutes later when Jong’s strike beat Hong Kong’s Yapp Hung-fai from 25 yards, with the Hong Kong goalkeeper unable to keep the ball out despite putting a hand on the shot.
Six minutes later DPR Korea doubled their advantage when left back Kim Chol-bom drilled the ball across the Hong Kong goal and Pak was on hand to steer his shot home from six yards out.
Hong Kong finally sparked into life, with Alex Akande sending a pair of efforts just off target in the minutes before the half-time break, while second half substitute Lam Ka-wai gave the visitors some encouragement after his introduction.
Liu Chun-fai’s side was unable to find a way through the well-drilled DPR Korea defence and, with a little more than 10 minutes remaining, Ri Yong-jik almost added a third for the hosts only for his long-distance lob to just miss the target.
It mattered little, however, as Andersen’s side closed out the game to give the Norwegian a victorious send-off in his final game as coach as the country secured their qualification for next year’s Finals.
http://www.the-afc.com/news/afcsection/dpr-korea-seal-uae-2019-ticket
Photos: Hong Kong Football Association
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