DOHA: Hong Kong coach Kim Pangon has called on his players to maintain their fighting spirit as they eye qualification for the next phase of FIFA World Cup qualifying and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup when the play Qatar at Thani bin Jassim Stadium tomorrow. Hong Kong are currently second in Group C of the 2018 FIFA World Cup/ 2019 AFC Asian Cup joint qualifiers with four wins, two draws and one defeat in their six matches thus far. Korean coach Kim Pangon was quoted saying in the press conference preceding the match “We are aware of Qatar’s pedigree as one of the top football nations in Asia, however, we have proved ourselves as formidable contenders in many occasions in recent years, we are used to playing in front of more technically gifted opposition, I have confidence in my players and our preparation for this match”. Hong Kong are these days very much a hardened and well-drilled unit. Indeed, Hong Kong have conceded just three goals in seven games, all of which came in a 3-2 home defeat against Qatar. “This can make a big difference to Hong Kong football. We are attempting to go to a World Cup and make history. This will give us more exposure and have people more fearful of the Hong Kong national team.” “We appreciate all the fans that have come to our games, especially the game against China,” says Pangon when asked about the new level of local interest in football. “In all my time in Hong Kong, I have never experienced this kind of audience.”