2024-06-25
In a thrilling showdown at Shek Kip Mei Park Sports Centre, Wong Tai Sin emerged victorious in the Jockey Club Futsal Football League - FA Cup final, held on Sunday (23rd June). The team claimed a 2:1 triumph over Kitchee, largely credited to Chan Cheuk Kwong's commendable brace.

Kitchee started off on the front foot, demonstrating an early dominance. In the second minute, an attempt by Cheng Chin Lung, following a well-placed pass by Tsui Long, was thwarted by Wong Tai Sin's goalkeeper Tang Yee Hung Andrew. Tsui Long again initiated a promising move in the 4th minute, but Matthew Luke Slattery's finishing shot strayed wide.

Against the run of play, Wong Tai Sin was the first to draw blood. Chan Cheuk Kwong launched a long-range effort after receiving Lin Chin Shing's pass, catching Kitchee's goalkeeper Dipen Gurung off guard and sending the ball into the near post, giving Wong Tai Sin a 1:0 advantage.

Down but not out, Kitchee wasted no time in launching a formidable retaliation, levelling the score at 1:1 in the 7th minute. Kam Chi Kin Jason swiftly relayed the ball to Chan Yin Hei, who skillfully controlled and shot to net the equalizer.

However, Wong Tai Sin swiftly reclaimed their lead just a minute later. Chan Cheuk Kwong, once again proving his mettle, hammered in his second goal from the right flank after a pass from Hui Cheuk Lun, propelling Wong Tai Sin to a 2:1 lead.

The 15th minute saw Kitchee presented with a golden opportunity, as a defensive lapse by Wong Tai Sin allowed Matthew Luke Slattery a clear shot at goal. However, the alert goalkeeper managed to keep the ball out.

As the first half drew to a close, Wong Tai Sin had another scoring opportunity, as Lee Kwan Hap's powerful shot from a tight angle was expertly parried away by the goalkeeper. The teams headed into the break with Wong Tai Sin leading 2:1.

The second half saw Kitchee turning up the heat, creating several scoring opportunities. In the 23rd minute, a shot by Tsui Long was saved by the goalkeeper, and subsequent attempts by Kan Chi Kin Jason and Matthew Luke Slattery also fell short.

Wong Tai Sin, lying in wait for a counterattack, found a golden opportunity in the 27th minute, but Lin Chin Shing failed to convert the one-on-one opportunity, as his shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

Despite Kitchee controlling much of the possession thereafter, their attempts at long-range strikes failed to find the mark.

In the 34th minute, a turning shot by Kitchee's Cheung Yiu Hin was bravely blocked by the flying goalkeeper, and a subsequent surprise attempt by Tsui Long was also denied.

Despite a flurry of attempts by Kitchee in the dying moments of the game, including a high shot by Tsui Long and a powerful drive by Chan Yin Hei both being saved, the team failed to find the equalizer.

Finally, Wong Tai Sin held their nerve, defending their lead until the final whistle to secure a 2:1 victory over Kitchee, and proudly lifting the Jockey Club Futsal Football League - FA Cup champions.