BC Rangers met up with Kitchee in Mong KoK Stadium on Saturday afternoon for the JC Sapling Cup Group B fixture. BC Rangers draw with Kitchee by 4:4.
Right from the start, both teams displayed great intensity and Kitchee took an early lead in the 10th minute. Mathew Luke's precise pass found Yuen Chun Him in the penalty area, who unleashed a spectacular diving shot, beating the goalkeeper and putting Kitchee ahead 1:0.
However, BC Rangers quickly responded and equalized just 3 minutes later. Ibrahim's pinpoint cross from the left found Leung Hoi Chun unmarked in the box, and he calmly slotted the ball into the net to level the score at 1:1.
BC Rangers then took control of the game and turned the tables in the 25th minute. Ibrahim earned a penalty after being fouled by Charlie Scott in the box. Showing nerves of steel, Ibrahim stepped up and confidently converted the spot-kick, giving BC Rangers a 2:1 lead. Ibrahim continued to be a threat and had another opportunity to extend the lead, but his narrow-angle shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.
Kitchee, determined to get back into the game, had their chances as well, but a long-range effort from Cheng Chin Lung narrowly missed the target. The first half ended with BC Rangers leading 2:1. In the second half, Kitchee took control of the game and created numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Charlie Scott came close to equalizing with a powerful long-range strike from 25 yards out, but the ball sailed just wide.
Their persistence paid off in the 49th minute when Kitchee managed to level the score. A well-placed cross from the left found Yuen Chun Him in the penalty area, and he cleverly laid the ball off to Cheng Chin Lung, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net, making it 2:2.
Kitchee continued to dominate proceedings and came agonizingly close to taking the lead in the 59th minute. Mikael latched onto a sublime through pass from Yuen Chun Him and burst into the penalty area, only to be denied by the woodwork.
Their relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 70th minute. Fernando Augusto showcased his skill on the left flank, shaking off his marker, and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Yuen Chun Him showed great composure, controlling the ball with a nice touch before unleashing a thunderous shot into the top left corner, putting Kitchee in the lead once again at 3:2.
Kitchee further extended their advantage in the 83rd minute. Yeung Cheuk Kwan met a well-timed cross from Igor Sartori on the right and expertly placed his close-range shot into the net, making it 4:2 in favor of Kitchee.
Just when it seemed like Kitchee had sealed the victory, the game took a dramatic turn in injury time. Kanda Yumemi capitalized on a goalkeeping error, pouncing on a loose ball on the left flank. He whipped in a dangerous cross and Chiu Ching Yu Sergio blasted the ball home, reducing the deficit to 3:4.
In an incredible twist, Kanda Yumemi once again proved to be the hero for BC Rangers. He received a precise pass from Lau Chi Lok and unleashed a stunning angled shot from the left side of the penalty area, leaving the goalkeeper helpless as the ball nestled into the back of the net. The scoreline stood at an astonishing 4:4, with both teams earning a hard-fought point.