In a thrilling FA Cup (Junior Division) quarter-final showdown at Po Kong Village Road Park, Central & Western emerged victorious over Hoi King, booking their places in the semi-final clash.
In the other quarter-final, Central & Western put on a masterclass. They drew first blood through Tang Kong Haang's clinical finish, and despite Chang Hiu Nam's leveler for Hoi King, the floodgates opened. Lau Ho Lam, Naveed, and Wellingsson Paixao De Souza all found the net before the break to establish a commanding 4:1 lead. The onslaught continued as Naveed added his second, and though Park Mingyu pulled one back with a spectacular volley, Naveed completed his hat-trick before Wellingsson Paixao De Souza headed home his brace. Kot Cho Wai's late consolation proved mere consolation in a 7:3 thriller.
Naveed was elated with his treble: "We executed the coach's counter-attacking strategy perfectly. I've already surpassed my pre-season target of 10 goals, which is fantastic." The striker laid down the gauntlet: "Our twice-weekly intense training sessions keep us sharp. We're targeting the double, and this FA Cup is firmly in our sights."