In a thrilling FA Cup (Junior Division) semi-final at Tsing Yi Northeast Park on Saturday (May 4), Sham Shui Po emerged victorious through nerve-wracking penalty shootouts to book their places in the showcase final. The semi-final clashes saw the elimination of Best Union Yuen Long in dramatic fashion.
The opening fixture burst into life when Sham Shui Po struck early through clinical finishing. A pinpoint delivery from the right flank by NG Ka Yeung King found YEE Kin Long unmarked at the back post, who made no mistake with a composed finish to break the deadlock in the 4th minute. Best Union Yuen Long responded with sustained pressure, particularly through their dynamic left-wing attacks. However, CHENG King Ho squandered two clear-cut opportunities. The persistence paid off just before the interval when CHAN Wai Lok Rico's dangerous free-kick delivery from the right caused havoc in the Sham Shui Po defense, resulting in an equalizer as the ball somehow found its way into the net at the far post.
The second period saw both sides adopt a more conservative approach, with scoring chances at a premium. Best Union Yuen Long's aerial threat YUEN Lap Cheung rose highest to meet WONG Hiu Lamm's precise left-wing cross but couldn't direct his header on target in the 65th minute. Later, PARK Ye Jun showcased individual brilliance, cutting inside from the left before unleashing a long-range effort that sailed wide. In the dying moments of regulation time, Sham Shui Po nearly snatched victory when WONG Tin Long Anthony pounced during a goalmouth scramble following a corner, only to be denied by a spectacular save from LIN Chi Kei. After 90 minutes of intense battle, the teams remained deadlocked at 1:1, forcing the match to be decided by a penalty shootout.
The ensuing penalty shootout provided edge-of-the-seat drama. Both teams had one player miss in the first four rounds, where CHAN Ka Chun's effort was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper WONG Tsz Him, while ARBOLEDA Joao Alexander's attempt blazed over the crossbar. In the decisive moment, CHENG King Ho's spot-kick was expertly parried away, leaving YIM Kai Wa to coolly slot home the winning penalty, securing a 4:3 shootout victory for Sham Shui Po.
Post-match, penalty hero YIM Kai Wa highlighted the importance of experience in their triumph: "We showed great character to regroup after conceding. Our seasoned players steadied the ship when we needed it most. While our defensive lapse for their goal was disappointing, our resilience in the shootout proved decisive." Despite their modest 11th position in the First Division, YIM Kai Wa embraced their reputation as cup specialists: "We've earned our reputation as knockout competition experts. Though our league form has been inconsistent, we seem to find another gear in cup competitions, always giving everything to deliver excitement for our faithful supporters."