2025-05-04

In a thrilling encounter at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre' Pitch No.4 on Saturday (May 4), Kitchee clinched the Jockey Club Women's Youth Football League (U15) crown with a convincing 3:1 triumph over runners-up TSL FC.

The champions wasted no time stamping their authority on the match, as FUNG TING YIN converted from the spot with precision in just the second minute of play, giving Kitchee an early advantage. The setback sparked an immediate response from TSL FC. YUEN WING SUM rose highest to meet a corner kick but couldn't keep her header on target, before CHOW PUI KEI engineered space in the danger area only to see her effort comfortably gathered by Kitchee goalkeeper CHAN TSZ YIU. The 18th minute saw another promising build-up from TSL FC as WONG TSZ YIU threaded an exquisite through ball to CHOW PUI KEI, who demonstrated excellent technique with a first-time strike that forced a crucial save from the keeper. The woodwork denied TSL FC an equalizer moments later, as WONG TSZ YIU's penetrating run and precise delivery found CHOW PUI KEI unmarked, but her point-blank effort crashed against the crossbar in what proved to be a pivotal moment.

Kitchee nearly doubled their advantage on the half-hour mark when LUONG HEI MAN dispossessed her opponent on the edge of the area and unleashed a venomous drive, only to be denied by CHING YUET's fantastic reflexes. FUNG TING YIN then tested the keeper again with a speculative long-range effort. The first half action concluded with HUNG WING TUNG XYZA creating space before firing a powerful attempt that the goalkeeper parried to safety, preserving Kitchee's slender 1:0 lead at the interval.

The second period burst into life when TSL FC's CHENG YEE CHING latched onto a defense-splitting pass and showed remarkable composure to slot home the equalizer at the near post, eight minutes after the restart. Kitchee's response was swift and clinical. CHONG HOI CHING delivered an inch-perfect cross from the left flank, finding FUNG TING YIN who exhibited superb control before dispatching a clinical finish to restore their advantage. As the hour mark approached, TSL FC's CHEUNG CHING YAN found herself in a promising position but couldn't beat the alert Kitchee goalkeeper from an acute angle.

The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when WARWICK CHRISTINA SUMMER's perfectly weighted through ball released LUONG HEI MAN, who displayed nerves of steel to round off the scoring with a composed finish in a one-on-one situation. Kitchee's game management proved impeccable in the closing stages, restricting their opponents to minimal opportunities while nearly adding a fourth when FUNG TING YIN cut inside from the left wing only to be denied by another fine save.

The final whistle confirmed Kitchee's deserved 3:1 victory and their coronation as Jockey Club Women's Youth Football League (U15) champions, completing a remarkable campaign with maximum points.