In a thrilling match of the JC Sapling Cup Group A, Tai Po emerged victorious with a 4:2 win over Sham Shui Po at the Tai Po Sports Ground, securing a well-deserved spot in the semi-finals.
Tai Po wasted no time and took an early lead within a minute of the game. Gabriel Roberto initiated a long pass from the back, catching Lau Ka Shing off guard, who inadvertently scored an own goal, giving Tai Po a 1:0 advantage.
Building on their momentum, Tai Po extended their lead in the 18th minute. Michel Renner delivered a precise left-wing pass into the top of the penalty area, where Lucas Da Silva skillfully controlled the ball and fired a shot that slipped past the goalkeeper's grasp, increasing Tai Po's lead to 2:0.
Maintaining control of the game, Tai Po found the net once again in the 30th minute. Lucas Da Silva received a pass from a teammate on the left flank and delivered a pinpoint cross, allowing Bitencourt Da Silva to calmly slot the ball into the goal, making it 3:0.
Even in the 41st minute, Tai Po continued to threaten. Michel Renner skillfully evaded his opponent at the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot that struck the woodwork not once, but twice, denying Tai Po a fourth goal.
Sham Shui Po had their fair share of opportunities before halftime. Pang Ching Yeung Jethro received a pass from Chang Kwong Yin on the right side and delivered a dangerous cross, but Dunga's header was brilliantly saved by the diving goalkeeper. Moments later, Ngan Cheuk Pan sent a tantalizing corner kick from the left, and Sung Juho's powerful header narrowly missed the target. Tai Po maintained their commanding 3:0 lead going into the break.
The second half witnessed a remarkable turnaround as Sham Shui Po seized control of the game. Ngan Cheuk Pan showcased his vision with a delightful long pass from midfield, finding Chang Kwong Yin in the penalty area, who made no mistake and slotted the ball home, reducing the deficit to 1:3.
Just two minutes later, Wong Sum Chit Sherman received a pass from Ivan Markovic on the left flank and delivered a teasing cross. The ball took a deflection off Marcos Dos Santos before falling kindly to Dunga, who unleashed a powerful shot into the back of the net, bringing Sham Shui Po within striking distance at 2:3.
With their lead hanging by a thread, Tai Po intensified their attacking efforts. Lucas Da Silva had a thunderous shot from a tight angle on the right, only to be denied by an outstanding save from the goalkeeper. Moments later, Michel Renner attempted a shot from inside the penalty area, but the goalkeeper was quick off his line to block the effort.
Finally, in the 72nd minute, Tai Po sealed the victory and secured their spot in the semi-finals. Law Chun Ting delivered a pinpoint long pass from the right flank into the penalty area, where the unmarked Lucas Da Silva expertly headed the ball into the net. The match ended with Tai Po emerging triumphant with a 4:2 scoreline, earning three crucial points and securing their place in the semi-finals.