In a thrilling night of HKPL U22 League FA Cup action at Kowloon Bay Park on Wednesday (May 14), KC Southern beat North District in the penalty shoot-out, booking their spots in the prestigious cup final.
The second semi-final produced equally compelling football as North District and KC Southern battled for supremacy. North District dominated the opening exchanges, taking a deserved lead through TANDY ORTEGA Benjamin Eloy's composed finish in the 25th minute after brilliant build-up play.
KC Southern mounted a remarkable second-half renaissance, though chances remained at a premium until the 88th minute. In a dramatic turn of events, CHAN Hoi Pak Paco demonstrated exceptional composure to level the score with a precise finish into the far corner.
With nothing separating the sides after 90 minutes, the match went to penalties. In a nerve-wracking shootout, both teams maintained perfect records through three rounds before North District's WONG Wai Kwok and CAJAZEIRAS FLOR VIEIRA Guilherme Kayron faltered. CHONG Kai Laam's successful conversion proved decisive, sending KC Southern through with a 4:3 triumph in the shootout.
Match-winner CHAN Hoi Pak Paco later reflected on his team's resilient performance: "After our disappointment in the U22 league against BC Rangers, this FA Cup has become our primary focus. Our young squad showed tremendous character in the second half." Looking ahead to the final against Kitchee, he acknowledged the challenge: "We're aware of Kitchee's strength, particularly with their first-team players, but we're determined to give everything in pursuit of the trophy, despite our first-team players' scheduled break after May 18."