In a thrilling double-header at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre on Saturday (May 3), Kitchee and defending champions TSL FC emerged victorious in their respective Jockey Club Women's Football League FA Cup semi-final encounters.

[United Citizen 1:2 Kitchee]

The opening fixture saw Kitchee test United Citizen's resolve early, with So Hoi Lam squandering a golden one-on-one opportunity in the 4th minute, denied by custodian Wong Joki Christie's excellent reflex save. Kitchee maintained their attacking momentum, with Ho Mui Mei 's thunderous volley forcing another spectacular save from the in-form Wong Joki Christie. United Citizen's well-organized defensive setup initially frustrated Kitchee's attempts, but the deadlock was finally broken in the 27th minute through a sublime piece of combination play. Cheung Wai Ki's incisive through ball found Chu Po Yan, who clinically dispatched the opener with a precise right-footed finish.

The jubilation was short-lived as United Citizen orchestrated an immediate response. Six minutes later, forward Chan Wing Ching showcased individual brilliance, latching onto a defense-splitting pass before unleashing an unstoppable strike from an acute angle to restore parity. On the stroke of halftime, Kitchee nearly regained their advantage when Cheung Wai Ki's blistering effort from the edge of the area rattled the woodwork. The teams headed into the interval deadlocked at 1:1.

The second half saw Kitchee maintain territorial dominance but struggle to penetrate United Citizen's resolute defensive block. Their aerial bombardment strategy proved futile, with only Cheung Wai Ki's left-footed drive testing Wong Joki Christie. United Citizen mounted sporadic counterattacks through wingers Wong Tsz Kiu and Chong Ching Lam Jaylynn, but their final delivery lacked precision. The decisive moment arrived three minutes from time when Cheung Wai Ki's penetrating pass caused havoc in the United Citizen penalty area. As Chu Po Yan attempted to control the loose ball, she was brought down, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Cool-headed Chung Pui Ki stepped up to convert the penalty, securing Kitchee's passage to the final with a hard-fought 2:1 triumph.

Match-winner Chu Po Yan credited tactical discipline for their victory: "We demonstrated excellent collective performance despite challenging weather conditions. Our patience and adherence to coach’s game plan ultimately paid dividends. Looking ahead to the final, maintaining peak physical condition and mental focus will be paramount."

[TSL FC 5:0 Sha Tin]

On the other hand, TSL FC demonstrated their championship pedigree with a commanding performance against Shatin. The defending cup holders stormed to an early two-goal advantage within five minutes through clinical finishes from Chan Yee Hing and Chan Wing Lam. Their dominance continued as Sung Yasmin Li Mon capitalized on a goalkeeper's prayer from Chan Yee Hing's dangerous cross to establish a comfortable 3:0 cushion before the interval.

The second half saw TSL FC manage the game professionally, while Shatin's attempted resurgence produced only speculative long-range efforts. TSL FC's superiority was further emphasized when Ma Chak Shun rose majestically to head home Chan Wing Lam's pinpoint corner, before So Ching Long added the finishing touches with a spectacular long-range strike into the top corner, completing a comprehensive 5:0 victory.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming final showdown, TSL FC's standout performer Chan Yee Hing emphasized the importance of clinical finishing: "Our previous encounters with Kitchee this season have been closely contested affairs where conversion rates proved decisive. Despite this season's squad rotation, our team chemistry has actually strengthened. Personally, I'm focused on elevating my performance through increased work rate to demonstrate my capabilities at the highest level."