The opening exchanges saw Kitchee assert their dominance in possession, though they were frustrated by Yau Tsim Mong's well-organized defensive unit. The first clear-cut chance fell to Sebastian Robert Buddle, who engineered space with a clever cut inside from the left flank, only to see his effort whistle past the upright.

Moments later, Cheng Chin Lung demonstrated his pressing prowess, dispossessing the opposition before unleashing a fierce drive from the edge of the area, but the outstanding Chu Shing Yuk between the sticks proved equal to the task.

Kitchee continued to lay siege to Yau Tsim Mong's goal, with Cheng Chin Lung nearly breaking the deadlock through an acrobatic volley following Lam Jordan Lok Kan's pinpoint delivery from the left. The pressure intensified as Matthe Luke Slattery unleashed a thunderous long-range effort, only to be denied by a spectacular fingertip save from the in-form Chu Shing Yuk.

As the first half drew to a close, Kitchee carved out two gilt-edged opportunities. k69 connected with Kam Chi Kin Jason's precise cross from the right, forcing another crucial save, before Law Tsz Chun's magnificent wing play created a chance for Sebastian Robert Buddle, whose point-blank effort was somehow thwarted by the inspired goalkeeper.

The sides went into the interval deadlocked at 0:0, despite Kitchee's possession advantage.

The breakthrough finally arrived after the restart, as Lam Jordan Lok Kan combined beautifully with Law Tsz Chun before demonstrating exceptional composure to fire home from an acute angle, giving Kitchee a deserved 1:0 lead.

Yau Tsim Mong responded with renewed vigor, as Wong Wai Man embarked on a mazy run, beating two defenders before being denied by the alert Ainikaer Maihemuti in goal. Ho Wai Ching then went close with a clever set-piece attempt that narrowly missed the target.

Kitchee doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute through a well-worked team move. Lam Jordan Lok Kan's initial effort was parried, but the predatory Sebastian Robert Buddle was perfectly positioned to slot home the rebound, making it 2:0.

Kitchee nearly put the game to bed moments later, as Cheng Chin Lung 's precise through ball found Matthe Luke Slattery unmarked, but his effort could only find the side netting.

Despite the deficit, Yau Tsim Mong continued to press forward. The 39th minute saw Ho Wai Ching connect sweetly with Chung Chun Ho's free-kick delivery, forcing a spectacular flying save from the Kitchee shot-stopper.

In the dying moments, Yan Ronald Chi Kan provided a late twist to the tale, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse to rifle home an unstoppable strike from outside the box.

The final whistle confirmed Kitchee's 2:1 triumph, as they collected a crucial three points.