HK U23 defeated Sham Shui Po by 5:0 in the JC Sapling Cup (Group A) at Kowloon Bay Park today.
In an electrifying match of the JC Sapling Cup Group A, HK U23 dominated Sham Shui Po with a stunning 5:0 triumph, claiming a valuable three points and securing their inaugural victory this season. The game started cautiously, with both teams testing each other's defenses for the first ten minutes. HK U23's Kwok Tsz Kai unleashed a menacing long-range strike that narrowly missed the target. In the 25th minute, HK U23 finally broke the deadlock through a mesmerizing display of teamwork. Kwok Tsz Kai received an incisive pass from Cheng Chun Wang Ryan, delivering a precise cross from the left flank. Tang In Chim made a darting run into the box and expertly slotted the ball into the far corner, granting HK U23 a well-deserved 1:0 lead.Sham Shui Po struggled to generate any substantial attacks throughout the first half, with Dunga's feeble attempt from distance easily gathered by the goalkeeper.
Just before the halftime whistle, Hong Kong U23 had another golden opportunity to extend their lead. A defensive blunder from Sham Shui Po allowed the ball to fall to Lee Lok Him, who struck a thunderous shot but narrowly missed the mark. Nonetheless, HK U23 went into the break with a slender 1:0 advantage.
The second half saw no significant improvement in Sham Shui Po's performance, as HK U23 continued to grow in strength. Exploiting a defensive lapse from Sham Shui Po in the 29th minute, the ball found its way to the feet of Lam Chi Fung, who swiftly delivered a pinpoint pass to the far post. Lo Kam Wang was perfectly positioned to dispatch the ball into the net from close range, doubling HK U23's lead to 2:0.
In the 56th minute, Sham Shui Po finally conjured up a threatening attack. Ivan Markovic stepped up to take a 25-yard free-kick, unleashing a powerful strike only to be denied by a spectacular save from the goalkeeper.
Maintaining their dominance, HK U23 continued to control the proceedings. In the 61st minute, Lam Chi Fung threaded a precise pass towards the center, where Tang In Chim exhibited his clinical finishing abilities by unleashing a thunderbolt from distance, securing his brace and propelling HK U23 to a commanding 3:0 lead.
Just three minutes later, HK U23 struck again. Lee Lok Him showcased his skill on the left flank, skillfully evading the opposition defenders before delivering a pinpoint cross. Lam Chi Fung was in the right place at the right time, directing the ball into the net from close range, further widening the gap to 4:0.
In the 88th minute, Sung Junho came agonizingly close to breaking Sham Shui Po's defense with a powerful long-range effort, narrowly missing the target. However, in the dying moments of the game, Lam Hok Hei stole the spotlight with a sensational half-time strike that found its way into the net. The final whistle blew, confirming HK U23's resounding 5:0 victory over Sham Shui Po, as they celebrated a commanding win, clinching three vital points.