Hong Kong correspondent Christopher KL Lau brings a regular round-up of latest news and developments and other footballing points of interest from the SAR.
Hong Kong Premier League Kicks-Off – Kitchee and I-Sky Yuen Long Register Wins
A brave new world of Hong Kong football began last Friday night with the much anticipated and somewhat controversial BOGC Life Premier League kicking off in a wind and rain swept Mong Kok stadium. Champions Kitchee picked up where they left off with a convincing and clinical 4-1 win over Woo Foo Tai Po FC. A disappointingly low crowd of 1,472 came out to witness the big kick-off and were treated to five goals and plenty of goal mouth action. Tai Po fought hard for the majority of the match and the scoreline did not reflect the amount of possession that Tai Po had.
Kitchee took the lead on the 11th minute with a fine shot from Jorge Tarres after good work from Christian Annan on the way. Kitchee’s midfield maestro Lam Ka Wai added two more on the 58th and 67th minutes respectfully, the latter being a majestic curled free-kick. Fernando Recio added a fourth on the 87th minute from a corner before Tai Po pulled back a consolation goal from Jingde Chen on the 87th. The game itself was lively and action packed and bodes well for the rest of the season. Kitchee will now play one of the biggest games in their history when they travel to Jordan to play Iraqi side Arbil on Tuesday (September 16) evening in Jordan for the 1st leg of the AFC Cup Semi-final. The game will take place at the Prince Mohammad International Stadium, Zerqa City in Jordan for safety reasons due to the political and social strife in Iraq.
In the other premier league game played over the weekend, I-Sky Yuen Long defeated Rangers 1-o with a goal from Tsuyoshi Yoshitake. On September 9th, the Hong Kong national team drew away in Singapore in a 0-0 game.
ATV to Broadcast Live Premier League Games
The Hong Kong general public will have the chance to watch Hong Kong Premier league games for free after the Hong Kong Football Association and the Hong Kong Premier League clubs signed a deal with local television powerhouse ATV to broadcast a set number of 2014-2015 BOCG Life Hong Kong Premier League in the 2014/15 season. The TV rights were previously held by NOW TV but the shift towards terrestrial TV has been welcomed by many due to the exposure it will bring the local game.
All pictures courtesy of Chris KL Lau (follow him on Twitter)
