HKFC faced Eastern at HKFC Football Pitch on Sunday afternoon for the 23/24 JC Sapling Cup fixture of the day. HKFC and Eastern draw by 3:3.
Eastern started the game with an aggressive approach, taking the lead in the 11th minute. Marcos Gondra delivered a pinpoint cross from the right after receiving a throw-in, finding Baffoe Donkor lurking near the far post who instinctively converted the chance, giving Eastern a 1:0 advantage.
Just two minutes later, Eastern extended their lead with a well-worked combination. Despite initial clearance of Wong Ho Chun's left-sided cross, Marcos Gondra exhibited excellent control before delicately threading a pass into the penalty area. Ma Hei Wai, leaping into the air, executed a spectacular volley to find the back of the net, increasing Eastern's lead to 2:0.
Eastern continued to threaten with scoring opportunities. Marcos Gondra penetrated the opponent's defense, skillfully evading challenges, and unleashed a narrow-angle shot that was brilliantly saved by the onrushing goalkeeper. Barak Braunshtain aslo had a chance to score but his effort was denied by the goalkeeper's reflexes. Eastern entered halftime with a 2:0 lead.
The second half saw HKFC mounting a spirited comeback. In the 56th minute, Thaigo Lima Da Silva capitalized on an exquisite pass from Man Ga Wing Daniel, displaying composure as he navigated through the defense and calmly slotted the ball into the net, reducing the deficit to 1:2.
Eastern had their chances as well, with Calum Renwick Hall's right-sided cross finding Marcos Gondra in a tight angle inside the penalty area, narrowly missing the target.
However, it was HKFC who struck next, leveling the scoreline in the 80th minute. Lee Chun Yin Ryan delivered a precise long pass from midfield, which was met by the determined Leonardo Jose Peres. Despite being sandwiched between two defenders, Leonardo Jose Peres unleashed a thunderous shot that found the back of the net, restoring parity at 2:2.
As the match entered stoppage time, Eastern once again seized the lead. Baffoe Donkor connected with a precise cross from Ryu Ji Seong on the right flank, leaping elegantly near the post to knock the ball into the net.
Nevertheless, Eastern's lead was short-lived, as HKFC launched a late surge. Jordan Brown's left-sided cross found Christopher Fray amidst a crowded penalty area, who expertly directed a header into the net, dramatically equalizing just moments before the final whistle. The match concluded in a thrilling 3:3 draw, with both teams earning a valuable point.