In the JC Sapling Cup Group A clash, Kwoon Chung Southern and HKFC battled to a 2:2 draw at HK Football Club Ground, with both teams securing a point each.

Both teams started the game aggressively after the opening whistle. In the 10th minute, a defensive error by Maronesi Tomas in his own half was seized upon by Lau Hok Ming of HKFC. He swiftly advanced into the penalty area from the left flank and knocked the ball towards the goalmouth, but unfortunately, his teammates failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Kwoon Chung Southern had their chance in the 14th minute. Sasaki Shu's free-kick from the right side found its way into the penalty area, but the HKFC goalkeeper made a commanding punch to clear the danger. Jose Carlos pounced on the loose ball and attempted a chip-shot, only to be denied by Lau Hok Ming's timely clearance off the goal line.

In the 21st minute, Kwoon Chung Southern broke the deadlock. Sasaki Shu latched onto a long pass from Dos Santos Kessi Isac and charged into the penalty area. Fray Christopher brought him down, resulting in a penalty kick. Dos Santos Kessi Isac stepped up and unleashed a powerful strike that rippled the net, giving Kwoon Chung Southern a 1:0 lead.

As the first half drew to a close, Kwoon Chung Southern had a golden opportunity to extend their advantage. In the 42nd minute, Merkies Raphael rose highest to meet Sasaki Shu's cross, but his header sailed over the crossbar. Moments later, he found himself inside the penalty area again, but the goalkeeper made a crucial save. Kwoon Chung Southern headed into halftime with a slender 1:0 lead. In the second half, Hong Kong Football Club mounted a spirited comeback in search of the equalizer. In the 50th minute, Paulo Robspierry Carreiro unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area, narrowly missing the target.

Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute. Chow Timothy Stephen's precision free-kick was delivered into the penalty area, where Paulo Robspierry Carreiro's well-directed header found Gustao Henrique lurking at the far post. He expertly nodded the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1:1. In the 65th minute, HKFC completed the turnaround. Lau Hok Ming's initial shot from outside the penalty area was blocked by Maronesi Tomas, but the determined Lau Hok Ming quickly followed up with a thunderous strike that bulged the top right corner of the net, propelling HKFC into a 2:1 lead. However, their advantage was short-lived, as Kwoon Chung Southern responded swiftly. Sasaki Shu threaded a precise through pass from midfield, allowing Merkies Raphael to burst into the penalty area and unleash a fierce shot from a tight angle, which found the back of the net, restoring parity at 2:2.

In the closing stages, Kwoon Chung Southern still had opportunities to snatch a late winner, but Chen Ngo Hin's curling effort from the edge of the penalty area narrowly missed the target. Finally, both teams settled for a hard-fought 2:2 draw, earning one point apiece.

KC Southern District 2:2 HKFC