In a striking display of their capabilities, Hong Kong’s Kitchee SC showcased their true potential on the AFC Champions League stage with a commanding 2-0 victory over Singapore’s Lion City Sailors. This win marked a significant departure from their earlier performances in the competition, revealing a more controlled and clinical approach to their gameplay.
The match, held in Singapore, saw Kitchee take an early lead in the 11th minute. A cross from Fernando took a fortuitous turn when Chris van Huizen, in an attempt to intercept, inadvertently directed the ball into his own net. Fernando, notably excluded from coach Jorn Andersen’s Hong Kong Asian Cup squad, solidified Kitchee’s dominance with a second goal in the 77th minute.
South Korean coach Kim Dong-jin, at the helm of Kitchee, has been instrumental in the team’s improved form since a disappointing match against Lion City Sailors two months prior. That earlier encounter raised serious questions about the team’s unity and direction. The transformation in Kitchee’s play style since then begs the question of what might have been achieved had this form been found earlier in the group stages.
The match also highlighted the changing landscape of the AFC Champions League. Kitchee’s victory comes in a season where the domestic champions from Hong Kong will only qualify for a newly formed second-tier competition. This shift relegates the elite tournament to the top 24 teams from Asia’s 12 highest-ranked leagues, excluding Hong Kong.
Lion City Sailors’ coach, Aleksandar Rankovic, expressed disappointment at the prospect of missing out on the elite competition next season. His team’s performance in this match, overwhelmed by Kitchee’s tactical prowess, was a clear letdown.
Kitchee’s defensive solidity was evident, with goalkeeper Wang Zhenpeng, at 39, making crucial saves to deny Lion City any comeback hopes. Fernando’s second goal, a skillful maneuver through the defense, capped off a well-deserved victory for the Hong Kong side.
The match was also a precursor to the upcoming Hong Kong Premier League Cup at Mong Kok Stadium, slated between December 28 and January 1. The top four teams from last season – Kitchee, Lee Man, BC Rangers, and Eastern – will participate in this knockout competition, with the final match scheduled for New Year’s Day.
Kitchee’s victory over Lion City Sailors stands as a testament to their resilience and capacity for strategic gameplay, setting the stage for an intriguing domestic cup competition.
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