Hong Kong correspondent Christopher KL Lau rounds-up of all the very latest news, developments and other footballing points of interest from the SAR.…
Kitchee are the winners of the first Hong Kong Premier League after a 3-3 draw with Woofoo Taipo. The point enabled them to edge out arch rivals Eastern, South China and Sun Pegasus. Sun Pegasus were the early pace setters with five wins in a row but slowly dropped off as they could not maintain the momentum.
Kitchee Win the league
After a sluggish start to the season, Kitchee have impressed fans and other teams alike with their fast paced and consistent close passing game. Under the stewardship and guidance of manager Jose Molina, Kitchee have taken all comers and come up trumps in impressive fashion. If not for a defeat to Eastern in the Senior Shield final, Kitchee would be on the way to sweeping all domestic competitions. As of now, they can achieve a remarkable domestic treble if they defeat Eastern in the FA Cup Final set for May 17th. Presently, after losing their final match against YFCMD 3-2, Kitchee have an impressive record of 11 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses which gives them a grand total of 36 points and they are still in contention for the regional AFC Cup. Kitchee will be attempting to make it to the final group stages of the Asian Champions League; a feat no Hong Kong team has achieved.
Kitchee Defeat South China to Win the Hong Kong League Cup
Kitchee win the League Cup
Kitchee overcame a desperately disappointing South China to win the Hong Kong League Cup. Kitchee were never in danger of losing this game and South China were so off the pace that the game was never in doubt. Their close passing game simply overwhelmed South China and helped them take a step closer to a domestic treble by the end of May.
Video – League Cup Final First Half
The scoring opened in the fifth minute when Carreiro smashed the ball home from close range while it was Carreiro again who scored in the 12th minute to put Kitchee 2-0 up within the first quarter of a hour. The game was almost over before it had began.
Video – League Cup Final Second Half
Kitchee were ruthless in their approach and this drive continued into the second half with Tarres netting in both the 77th minute as well as injury time to place the game out of doubt and South China out of their misery. Kitchee will be hoping to add another cup to their season’s tally when they take on Eastern; a replay of last years FA Cup final and the Canbo Senior Shield final which was earlier this season. Another masterclass by Kitchee manager Jose Molina in what is his first full season in Hong Kong football.
Hong Kong Premier League News
In a very short lived tenure, Mario Gomez, the manager of South China has now moved to JDT Johor Darul Tazim of the Malaysian Super League. Initially brought in to replace Yeung Ching Kwong as manager of South China, the Argentine has upped and moved to Malaysia for a fresh challenge.
Hong Kong Soccer Sevens
The Draw For the Soccer Sevens
The draw for the annual Hong Kong Soccer Sevens has been made. The Soccer Sevens which has slowly evolved will take place from May 29th to 31st. English Premier League giants such as Aston Villa, Newcastle , Stoke and Leicester will be sending representative teams while the tournament will have the chance to see footballing talent from overseas as La Liga giants Athletico Madrid as well as Shanghai SIPG (Chinese Super League) and Wellington Phoenix will also be sending strong squads.
All pictures courtesy of Christopher KL Lau, HKFA and Soccer Sevens
Follow Chris KL Lau on Twitter
