Tai Po met up with Lee Man in Mong Kok Stadium on Wednesday night for the 2024-25 JC Sapling Cup Semi-Finals. Tai Po draw with Lee Man by 1:1 in the legal time and extra time. Finally, Lee Man beat Tai Po by 4:2 in the penalty shootout and promoted to the Final.
Tai Po met up with Lee Man in Mong Kok Stadium on Wednesday night for the 2024-25 JC Sapling Cup Semi-Finals. Tai Po draw with Lee Man by 1:1 in the legal time and extra time. Finally, Lee Man beat Tai Po by 4:2 in the penalty shootout and promoted to the Final.
In a gripping JC Sapling Cup semi-final clash at Mong Kok Stadium on Wednesday (April 16), Lee Man secured their place in the final after defeating Tai Po 4:2 in the penalty shootout , following a 1:1 deadlock after 120 minutes of intense action.
The drama unfolded early when Tai Po's Kevin Moreno had the ball in the back of the net in the 6th minute, connecting sweetly with Lee Lok Him's expertly delivered free-kick, only for the linesman's flag to cut short the celebrations.
The match continued to produce end-to-end action, with Tai Po's Kevin Padilla showcasing his technical prowess, creating space in a crowded penalty area, but his effort was expertly parried by the alert Lee Man goalkeeper.
Lee Man's pressing game nearly paid dividends in the 13th minute when Wu Chun Ming capitalized on Tai Po keeper Tse Ka Wing's distribution error, but blazed his effort over the crossbar when one-on-one.
The Lee Man assault continued as Tachibana Ryo's pinpoint cross from the left flank found Everton Camargo, whose venomous strike forced a spectacular fingertip save from the Tai Po shot-stopper.
After a goalless first period, both sides emerged from the tunnel with renewed attacking intent. Lee Man's Everton Camargo demonstrated his flair with a trademark cut inside, but his curling effort was comfortably gathered.
Tai Po nearly capitalized on a defensive mix-up when Ryan Tafazolli's wayward back-pass sent Kevin Padilla clean through, but he could only watch as his effort whistled inches wide of the upright.
The pressure from Lee Man mounted as Everton Camargo, proving a constant menace, engineered space in the box with quick footwork, only to be denied by another crucial save.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 82nd minute when Lee Man were awarded a penalty after Sameul Rosa was brought down by Kevin Moreno. Henri Anier stepped up with composure, sending his spot-kick beyond the goalkeeper's outstretched gloves.
However, the drama was far from over as Tai Po mounted a last-gasp comeback. Italo Montano's precise delivery found Kevin Moreno unmarked, and he made no mistake from close range, forcing the match into extra time.
The additional period saw both sides trading blows, with Lee Man's Tachibana Ryo testing his luck from distance, while Everton Camargo's powerful drive was bravely blocked. Tai Po responded through Lucas Da Silva, whose glancing header from Lee Lok Him's precise delivery drifted agonizingly wide.
The intensity continued as Li Ngai Hoi's header from Everton Camargo's set-piece was gathered safely.
In the second half of extra time, both teams maintained their aggressive play. Tai Po's Patrick Peral fired a left-footed long shot that narrowly missed the target. At the other end, Lee Man's Ryan Tafazolli headed Everton Camargo's free kick, but the goalkeeper collected it comfortably.
Tai Po then created two excellent chances. Lucas Da Silva met Lee Lok Him's precise long pass with a header that sailed just over the crossbar. Moments later, the woodwork came to Lee Man's rescue, denying Patrick Peral's dipping free-kick.
In the decisive penalty shootout, Lee Man displayed nerves of steel, converting all four of their spot-kicks with clinical precision. Tai Po's hopes were dashed as both Italo Montano and Kevin Moreno failed to convert, sending Lee Man through to the final with a 4:2 shootout victory and a 5:3 aggregate triumph.