In a thrilling BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League encounter at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground on Saturday evening(January 25), Lee Man emerged victorious in a seven-goal thriller, edging past North District 4:3 in dramatic fashion.
The visitors showed early intent, with Weverton Guilherme’s left-footed effort from inside the area on 13 minutes was blocked by Luis Eduardo. Lee Man responded through the dynamic Everton Camargo, who carved out space on the right flank before cutting inside, only to see his curling effort expertly parried by the goalkeeper.
North District drew first blood in the 26th minute through a defensive mix-up. Marco Wegener's dangerous delivery from the right wing wasn't properly dealt with by Wong Chun Ho, allowing Kendy Renato to set up Lo Kong Wai, who clinically dispatched the opener.
The remainder of the first period saw Lee Man pile on the pressure, with Everton Camargo orchestrating proceedings down the right channel. The winger's pinpoint cross found Wong Wai, whose cushioned header set up Samuel Rosa, but his effort was smothered. Moments later, another piece of individual brilliance from Everton Camargo created another opportunity for Samuel Rosa, whose glancing header whistled inches wide.
At half time, North District led Lee Man 1:0.
After heading into the interval trailing, Lee Man emerged with renewed vigor. Simionato Paulo Sergio came close twice in quick succession, first forcing a smart save from a tight angle on 50 minutes, before seeing his powerful drive blocked following Samuel Rosa's clever knockdown.
Against the run of play, North District doubled their advantage in the 64th minute through a clinical counter-attack. Kendy Renato's defense-splitting through ball found Ho Chun Ting, who showed composure to round the keeper and finish from an acute angle, making it 2:0.
The comeback began just two minutes later when Everton Camargo unleashed an unstoppable long-range missile that flew into the top corner, reducing the deficit.
The equalizer arrived in the 73rd minute after a goalkeeping howler from Pong Cheuk Hei, allowing Simionato Paulo Sergio to tap into an unguarded net.
Lee Man continued to dominate proceedings, with Samuel Rosa heading narrowly wide from Everton Camargo's corner. The pressure continued as Simionato Paulo Sergio's delicate chip beat the keeper but was cleared off the line by a desperate defensive intervention.
In a stunning twist, North District reclaimed the lead in the 85th minute. Kendy Renato's set-piece delivery caused chaos in the box, and Weverton Guilherme capitalized on Simionato Paulo Sergio's poor clearance with a clinical finish into the far corner.
The dramatic conclusion saw Lee Man complete their remarkable turnaround in stoppage time. First, Li Ngai Hoi rose highest to power home Everton Camargo's cross for the equalizer, before Everton Camargo himself turned from provider to match-winner, meeting Tachibana Ryoya's precise delivery from right flank with a clinical first-time finish at the near post.
Lee Man ultimately came from behind to win 4:3 against North District, taking all three points.