In a thrilling encounter at Tai Po Sports Ground on Sunday (February 2), BC Rangers clinched a dramatic 2:1 victory over North District in extra time to book their place in the Kwoon Chung Bus 60th Anniversary FA Cup quarter-finals.
The match burst into life early on as North District dominated the opening exchanges. Weverton Guilherme tested the waters in the 13th minute with a powerful effort that rattled the side netting. The pressure continued to mount as Elian Villalobos squandered a golden opportunity moments later, failing to find the target after a brilliant build-up play down the left flank.
North District's persistence paid dividends in the 21st minute. After Elian Villalobos' swerving free-kick forced a save from the goalkeeper, Kendy Renato's pinpoint corner kick found Weverton Guilherme, who cleverly nodded it into the danger area for Matheus Nascimento to bundle home amidst a goalmouth scramble, making it 1:0.
The attacking momentum stayed with North District as Lo Kong Wai and Kendy Renato combined well, but the goalkeeper showed excellent positioning to deny Kendy Renato's header from close range.
BC Rangers gradually found their footing in the contest, with Hayashi Ryota unleashing a thunderous drive that required a spectacular save from the goalkeeper.
Just when it seemed North District would take their lead into the break, BC Rangers struck back. A defense-splitting through ball from Lau Chi Lok released Ibrahim Yakabu, who showed exceptional composure to slot home the equalizer in first-half stoppage time.
The second half saw both sides trading blows in search of the winner. Lau Chi Lok carved out space brilliantly in the 59th minute, but his effort was thwarted by some excellent goalkeeping.
North District responded with a flurry of chances, with the dynamic duo of Wevertion Guilherme and Kendy Renato coming close on multiple occasions. The latter particularly unfortunate to see his acute-angled attempt drift wide in the 79th minute.
As regular time drew to a close, BC Rangers nearly snatched victory. Ibrahim Yakabu's long-range missile forced a spectacular save, followed by Rindo Makoto's powerful header from Guilherme Bitencourt's resulting corner that the goalkeeper somehow managed to palm away.
With the teams deadlocked at 1:1, the match headed into extra time.
BC Rangers finally broke the deadlock in the 103rd minute through a perfectly executed counter-attack. Ibrahim Yakabu turned provider with an incisive through ball, and Lau Chi Lok showcased his blistering pace before clinically finishing to put his side ahead.
Despite their advantage, BC Rangers continued to press forward, with Lau Chi Lok particularly menacing on both flanks, though unable to extend the lead.
The drama wasn't over as Ibrahim Yakabu received his marching orders in the 109th minute after picking up a second yellow card, leaving BC Rangers to defend their lead with ten men. North District pushed for an equalizer, but Elian Villalobos couldn't direct his effort on target from Kendy Renato's inviting cross.
BC Rangers showed remarkable resilience in the closing stages to secure a memorable 2:1 victory, advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals.