KC Southern met up with Sham Shui Po in Aberdeen Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon for the JC Sapling Cup Group A fixture. KC. Southern beat Sham Shui Po by 3:1.
KC Southern met up with Sham Shui Po in Aberdeen Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon for the JC Sapling Cup Group A fixture. KC. Southern beat Sham Shui Po by 3:1.
Sham Shui Po started the game with an early attacking strategy, but they struggled to create significant goal-scoring opportunities. In contrast, Kwoon Chung Southern swiftly capitalized on their first offensive move. Mahama Awal played a brilliant through-ball from midfield, setting up Jackson Franklim for a composed finish, giving Kwoon Chung Southern a 1:0 lead.
In the 14th minute, Sham Shui Po had a chance to equalize, as Ivan Markovic rose high to meet Ngan Cheuk Pan's corner kick with a powerful header but just gone high. Just a minute later, Ngan Cheuk Pan failed to find the target with his shot from a left-wing cross neither.
As the game progressed, Kwoon Chung Southern gradually took control of the proceedings. In the 22nd minute, Jackson Franklim connected with Sasaki Shu's head-pass, unleashing a fierce shot inside the penalty area, but the goalkeeper made an impressive save to deny him.
Despite the resilient defense, Kwoon Chung Southern continued to pile on the pressure. In the 27th minute, Mahama Awal received a pass from Ichikawa Sohgo and attempted a narrow-angle shot inside the box, but it sailed just wide.
Kwoon Chung Southern's persistence paid off in the 30th minute when Ichikawa Sohgo displayed exceptional midfield prowess, intercepting a loose ball and embarking on a powerful run. He then provided a precise pass to Chan Ngo Hin, who coolly slotted the ball into the far post, extending Kwoon Chung Southern's lead to 2:0.
As the first half drew to a close, Sham Shui Po had several opportunities to reduce the deficit. However, Ivan Markovic's volley-shot and Vanja Markvoic's long-range strike both narrowly missed the target. Kwoon Chung Southern maintained their 2:0 advantage heading into halftime.
In the second half, Kwoon Chung Southern maintained their aggressive approach. In the 50th minute, Jackson Franklim leaped highest in a crowded penalty area to meet Sasaki Shu's pinpoint free-kick delivery, but his header struck the crossbar and bounced away.
Not content with a two-goal lead, Kwoon Chung Southern continued to press forward. In the 53rd minute, Sasaki Shu skillfully shook off his markers on the left flank before delivering a precise cross. Although Ichikawa Sohgo 's shot was blocked by a defender, Mahama Awal was in the right place at the right time to pounce on the rebound and bury the ball into the net, stretching Kwoon Chung Southern's lead to a commanding 3:0.
Trailing by three goals, Sham Shui Po finally found their rhythm and showcased a better attacking display. In the 65th minute, Leung Sing Yiu's attempt from the edge of the penalty area narrowly missed the target. Three minutes later, Ivan Markovic react quickly and collected the loose ball, but his powerful strike was brilliantly saved by the goalkeeper.
Sham Shui Po's relentless efforts eventually paid off in the 74th minute when Chang Kwong Yin received a pass from Leung Sing Yiu and swiftly delivered a cross into the goalmouth. Dunga, lurking at the far post, showed great determination as he lunged forward to guide the ball into the net, reducing the deficit to 1:3.
Following the goal, both teams battled fiercely, but neither managed to alter the scoreline. Finally, Kwoon Chung Southern emerged triumphant with a 3:1 victory, securing a valuable three points.