Eastern met up with Sydney FC in Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday evening (28th November) for the AFC Champions League Two (Group E) clash. Sydney FC beat Eastern by 4:1.
The hosts came out firing, with Ng Yu Hei nearly breaking the deadlock in the 3rd minute after latching onto Victor Bertomeu’s defense-splitting pass, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Harrison Devenish-Meares.
The visitors drew first blood in the 6th minute when Rhyan Grant's pinpoint cross found Anas Ouahim, who showed great strength to power home off the woodwork.
Sydney FC began to dominate proceedings, with Joseph Lolley nearly doubling their advantage from a set-piece that whistled past the upright in the 12th minute.
The Australian side capitalized on a defensive error in the 16th minute, as Anas Ouahim pounced on Marcos Gondra's mishap before setting up Patryk Klimala for a clinical finish to make it 2:0.
Syney FC continued to threaten, with Adrian Segecic forcing a fine save from Yapp Hung-fai, while Rhyan Grant's header from the resulting corner sailed over.
Eastern showed signs of life with Ng Yu Hei testing the keeper from range as the half drew to a close.
Anas Ouahim put the game beyond reach just before the interval, displaying composure to slot home Patryk Klimala’s pass for his brace.
Eastern showed fighting spirit after the restart and pulled one back through Baffoe Noah’s well-placed header from Yu Joy Yin Jesse’s delivery in the 49th minute.
However, their hopes were dashed when Daniel Vera’s challenge on Patryk Klimala resulted in a spot-kick, which Anas Ouahim dispatched with aplomb to complete his hat-trick.
Eastern were inches away from a consolation when Leung Kwun Chung's corner rattled the crossbar.
In the dying moments, Eastern squandered a golden opportunity from twelve yards as Baffoe Noah blazed his penalty over.
The result sees Sydney FC emerge victorious over Eastern with a convincing 4:1 scoreline, taking home all three points.