The 12th week of the Hong Kong Premier League probably appeared to be less spectacular, with no pairings of the major teams and Eastern SC on a break. However, it was shown once more that it’s not just an easy run for the big teams. In fact, Wong Tai Sin, Taipo, I-Sky Yuen Long and YFCMD have definitely not lost their fighting spirit. The offside.hk editors put together a round-up of all games.
Economic win helps Kitchee move forward
Kitchee 1:0 Wong Tai Sin
Preparing for the ACL Qualification, Kitchee coach José Molina did not send top striker Juan Belencoso to play the relatively easy HKPL match against Wong Tai Sin. In the 15th minute, Dalian-born miefielder Xu Deshuai scored a great goal, getting rid of two Wong Tai Sin defenders. Basically speaking, Kitchee controlled the match, but new striker Rubiato made supporters sigh – he missed a 1-on-1 chance and a penalty (saved by goalkeeper Tsang Man Fai, who is on loan by South China). Wong Tai Sin did not seize a few counter attack chances and had to bear the close loss. (Chichio Suen)
YFCMD claims its spot right behind Hong Kong’s “Big Four”
Rangers 0:2 YFCMD
Only 261 spectators turned up for Saturday’s evening kick off between Rangers and YFCMD at Kowloon Bay Sports Ground, in a match that will go some way in determining the battle for 5th place in the league. The talented, young away side controlled the tempo of the game for long spells, and other than a few dangerous looking free kicks from midfielder Chow Cheuk Fung, Rangers rarely tested keeper Chiu Yu Ming in the YFCMD goal. After a goalless first half, YFCMD’s persistence finally paid off in the 67th minute when some neat build up play allowed Hui Ka Lok to set up Kenji Fukuda to fire past Siu Leong for his 5th goal of the campaign. Brazilian Fernando Pedreira also continued his own fine goalscoring form seven minutes later after receiving a pinpoint pass from Lee Ka Yu, and his powerful shot from the edge of the 18 yard box sailed into the back of the net. The result leaves YFCMD firmly entrenched in 5th place, 6 points ahead of Rangers who trail just behind them in the league. (Jeff Hardbattle)
Goalless draw gives Taipo new hope
South China 0:0 Wofoo Taipo
Sometimes there are games after which you don’t complain about the lack of goals. This week’s meeting between South China and Woofo Taipo was exactly one of this kind. Especially Taipo, which currently resides at the bottom of the Premier League, has come under pressure, with a progressing premier league season that slowly comes to its final quarter. Most of the approximately 1000 fans cheered for the Caroliners, but a handful of TPFC fans made some respectable noise as well, and Taipo made it clear that they will put up a fight in the Hong Kong Stadium. It was a very rough first half, with great chances for South China, but Nakamura was missing the efficiency he recently showed against Sun Pegasus. In minute 45 Taipo’s Dalian-born player Wu Haopeng saw his second yellow card and was sent off the pitch. In the second half, the side of SCAA coach Mario Gómez again dominated the game at all levels, but were usually stopped by Taipo goalkeeper Liang Yuhao. Taipo on the other hand – now with only 10 players – seemed to follow a very clear match plan: defending at all costs, waiting for the counter-attack and taking away a point from Caroline Hill Road. While South China is still waiting for the first goal of the freshly acquired striker and former A-League golden boot winner Daniel McBreen (this time one offside goal though), Taipo even had the opportunity for a lucky punch during the last minutes. However, the game ended in a goalless draw, which felt more like a victory for Taipo. The team from the New Territories is now 3 points away to escape from relegation (however, 8th ranked Wong Tai Sin has still two games in hand). (Tobias Zuser)
Three penalties and last minute goal make cold evening exciting and Sun Pegasus win
Sun Pegasus 3:2 I-Sky Yuen Long
In the first half, Sun Pegasus were in advantage, but the half-time result was not satisfactory for them. In the 6th minute, Sun Pegasus winger Yip Tsz Chun’s free kick led to the first goal of the match as Yuen Long’s Brazilian striker Reinaldo de Morais Peres scored an own goal. However, just a short time later, Japanese attacking midfielder Tsuyoshi Yoshitake’s penalty (for Yuen Long) made the game all square. In the 31st minute, Admir Rascic was hit down in Yuen Long’s penalty area and scored the second penalty of the match. But again, it only took a couple of minutes before Yoshitake scored his side’s second and the third penalty of the match. At the beginning of second half Yuen Long had more chances, but Sun Pegasus did “fight until the last minute” (as their slogan goes). In the end a header by center-back Festus Baise (who has been a HK permanent citizen for more than 2 years but is still waiting for HKSAR passport) made this Sunday evening perfect for the yellow and black supporters. (Chichio Suen)
Hong Kong Premier League – Week 12 Facts:
Average Attendance: 721
Top Scorer: Yoshitake Tsuyoshi (I-Sky Yuen Long, 2 goals)
Most bookings: South China – Wofoo Taipo (6Y, 1R), BC Rangers – YFCMD (7Y)
No game: Eastern SC
Photo source: HKFA
