In a BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League match between Hong Kong U23 and Lee Man held at Hammer Hill Road Sports Ground today (2024-02-18), visitors Lee Man recorded a 5-1 victory thanks to goals from Henri Anier, Ngan Lok Fung, Tsui Wang Kit and Paulo Sérgio Simionato (2 goals) while Ho Lung Ho pulled one back for the hosts late on. The official attendance is 346 with 276 tickets sold, and the gate receipt is HKD$11,380.
Both teams showcased their attacking prowess after the opening whistle. In the 8th minute, Everton Camargo connected with Henri Anier's pass in the penalty area, unleashing a powerful strike that was brilliantly denied by the goalkeeper.
HK U23 also had their own chance from a 25-yard free-kick, but Tang In Chim's attempt couldn’t find the target.
However, Lee Man quickly seized control of the game and broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Everton Camargo delivered a precise cross from the right flank, finding Martins Givanilton at the far post, who cleverly laid the ball off for Henri Anier to smash home, giving Lee Man a well-deserved 1:0 lead.
Maintaining their dominance, Lee Man extended their advantage in the 27th minute. Ngan Lok Fung unleashed a thunderous long-range strike from 30 yards out, sending the ball soaring into the top corner of the net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The scoreboard now read 2:0 in Lee Man's favor.
Lee Man continued to pile on the pressure, with Martins Givanilton unleashing a fierce shot from a tight angle in the 37th minute, only to be thwarted by a stunning save from the goalkeeper.
Just moments before halftime, Lee Man found the back of the net once again. Everton Camargo's well-placed corner kick was met by the towering presence of Tsui Wang Kit, who rose above the crowd to head the ball into the goal. The first half concluded with Lee Man comfortably leading 3:0.
The second half witnessed Lee Man's relentless pursuit of more goals. In the 48th minute, Everton Camargo provided a pinpoint cross from the right wing, which was met by Martins Givanilton. The agile forward skillfully evaded the defender and unleashed a left-footed strike, but his effort was miraculously cleared off the line by Leung Wai Fung Derek.
Henri Anier came close to extending Lee Man's lead in the 54th minute with a powerful strike from Tachibana Ryoya's delivery, but the goalkeeper displayed remarkable reflexes to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Lee Man's persistent attacking play finally paid off in the 77th minute. Everton Camargo received a precise pass from Yu Pui Hong and delivered a precise cross from the right, finding Simionato Paulo Sergio in a promising position near the goal. Simionato Paulo Sergio wasted no time, expertly directing the ball into the back of the net, extending Lee Man's lead to an imposing 4:0.
Despite the odds stacked against them, HK U23 fought back valiantly and managed to pull one back in the 81st minute. Krisna Korani delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, finding Ho Lung Ho positioned perfectly at the penalty spot. Ho Lung Ho exhibited composure and precision as he calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net, reducing the deficit to 1:4.
Lee Man had the last word in the 88th minute. Wu Chun Ming delivered a delightful cross from the right, locating Simionato Paulo Sergio inside the penalty area. Simionato Paulo Sergio expertly controlled the ball with his chest before dispatching a clinical finish into the net, completing his brace and sealing a resounding 5:1 victory for Lee Man.