In a thrilling BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League encounter at Tai Po Sports Ground on Saturday afternoon(Feburary 22), hosts Tai Po clinched a dramatic 3:2 victory over Kwoon Chung Southern, claiming all three points.

Tai Po started the match with intent, dominating possession in the early exchanges. Gabriel Roberto came close with two headed attempts that failed to breach the goalkeeper.

Against the run of play, the visitors drew first blood in the 11th minute. Jonatan Acosta orchestrated a blistering counter-attack down the right flank, delivering an inch-perfect cross for Wong Ho Yin, who rose highest at the far post to power home a clinical header, making it 1:0.

Tai Po's response was swift and purposeful. Just two minutes later, Cheng Tsz Sum whipped in a dangerous cross from the left wing, finding Michel Renner whose powerful header forced a spectacular save from the goalkeeper.

The hosts' persistence paid dividends in the 17th minute with a beautifully crafted equalizer. Cheng Tsz Sum was again the architect, his precise cross finding Chan Siu Kwan Philip, who cleverly nodded the ball into the path of Lucas Da Silva. The striker showcased exceptional technique, unleashing an unstoppable volley that rocketed into the top corner.

The momentum swung firmly in Tai Po's favor before the interval when Marcos Santos demonstrated his prowess with a sublime left-footed free-kick from 25 yards, sending the home supporters into raptures.Tai Po led Kwoon Chung Southern 2:1 at halftime.

The second half saw Kwoon Chung Southern emerge with renewed vigor. Jackson Franklim tested the waters with a speculative long-range effort on 50 minutes, before narrowly missing the target following an excellent through ball from Sasaki Shu.

Tai Po extended their advantage in the 65th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Kevin Padilla. He collected possession in the center circle, embarked on a mesmerizing run through the heart of Kwoon Chung Southern's defense, and displayed remarkable composure to slot home with his left foot.

The visitors refused to capitulate, with Gregory Rocha forcing a spectacular save from Tai Po's goalkeeper with a thunderous strike from the edge of the area. Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 79th minute when Sasaki Shu showed excellent footwork in the box before dispatching a clinical finish,narrowing the gap to 2:3.

In a frenetic conclusion, Chan Yun Tung delivered an inviting cross for Stefan Pereira, whose acrobatic effort was expertly denied by the goalkeeper. At the other end, Lucas Da Silva squandered two golden opportunities to put the game to bed, first being denied by Chan Yun Tung's goal-line clearance before seeing his effort thwarted by an advancing goalkeeper.

The final whistle confirmed a crucial three points for Tai Po by a 3:2 victory over Kwoon Chung Southern.

Tai Po 3:2 Kwoon Chung Southern