In a thrilling encounter at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre, Lucky Mile clinched the third place in the Jockey Club Women’s Youth Football League (U15) FA Cup after prevailing in a nail-biting penalty shootout against HKFC. The match, which ended in a dramatic 4:4 stalemate after regulation time, saw Lucky Mile emerge victorious with a 3:2 triumph in the spot-kicks.
The opening exchanges saw HKFC dominating possession, with their first meaningful attempt coming in the second minute as CHUA SOPHIA unleashed a powerful long-range effort that sailed over the crossbar. The pressure continued to mount when KIM AONE found herself through on goal after latching onto GREEN FRIDA RUBY's precise through ball, only to be denied by a spectacular save from shot-stopper HERNANDEZ DIAZ IRIS. HKFC maintained their attacking momentum, with CHUA SOPHIA creating another golden opportunity in the 21st minute. After connecting with CHENG REINA MING YEE's pinpoint cross from the right flank, her clever turn and strike narrowly missed the target. Minutes later, COMSA APRILIA-CARINA tested the keeper with a well-struck free-kick from distance. Against the run of play, Lucky Mile broke the deadlock when CHON PAIGE JIYOON was brought down in the penalty area. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and LEUNG DANIELLE LOK YU made no mistake from 12 yards out, sending Lucky Mile into the lead.
On the stroke of halftime, HKFC nearly found an equalizer through a magnificent solo effort from CHUA SOPHIA, who weaved through multiple defenders before being thwarted by an excellent save from the alert goalkeeper. The teams went into the interval with Lucky Mile holding a slender 1:0 advantage.
Lucky Mile doubled their lead immediately after the restart when LEUNG DANIELLE LOK YU showcased exceptional skill, making an explosive run down the left before clinically finishing past GREEN FRIDA RUBY to make it 2:0. Refusing to surrender, HKFC continued to press forward, with YAO KATELYN coming close from CHENG REINA MING YEE's set-piece delivery, forcing another fine save from the Lucky Mile keeper. The persistence paid off in the 61st minute when CHAN AUGUSTA PEARL displayed great predatory instincts, pouncing on a rebound after CHUA SOPHIA's initial effort was parried by the goalkeeper, reducing the deficit to 1:2. HKFC's remarkable comeback continued with a quick-fire double. CHAN AUGUSTA PEARL capitalized on defensive uncertainty to level the scores, before CHUA SOPHIA produced a moment of magic, cutting in from the left to unleash an unstoppable strike from outside the area, completing the turnaround at 3:2. The match took another dramatic twist in the closing stages. KIM HANNAH proved to be Lucky Mile's hero, first equalizing with a clinical finish to the far post, before demonstrating exceptional technique to curl home a free-kick into the top corner, restoring Lucky Mile's lead at 4:3.
Just when victory seemed secured, HKFC forced penalties after CHUA SOPHIA showed great awareness to convert the rebound from CHENG REINA MING YEE's free-kick that was initially saved.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, both teams missed two shot in the first four round. In the fifth round, HKFC's BARICKMAN SAYA struck the woodwork. And LAKHANI SIMRAN stepped up for Lucky Mile and kept her composure, converting the decisive penalty.
The victory sealed Lucky Mile's third-place finish in the prestigious youth competition, prevailing 7:6 on aggregate after an unforgettable goal fest.