In a thrilling Jockey Club Youth Football League (U18-FA Cup) third-place playoff on Friday, the formidable Wong Tai Sin secured a resounding 4:2 victory over the Hong Kong Football Club at Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground.
From the outset, Wong Tai Sin showcased an aggressive strategy, launching a threatening attack within the first two minutes with Malle, Krisshjoth Singh’s high shot, following a cross from the right wing.
Wong Tai Sin continued to dominate the play until the eighth minute, with Chow, Pak Sum narrowly missing the mark after receiving a pinpoint pass and firing a shot from within the penalty box.
In a surprising turn of events, the underdogs, Hong Kong Football Club, broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. SERISOLA Brishen unleashed a stunning right-footed long-range strike from outside the penalty box, putting the Hong Kong Football Club ahead 1:0.
Wong Tai Sin responded swiftly, with Lam, Alvin Owen setting up Malle, Krisshjoth Singh for a one-on-one opportunity a minute later, but the shot slid off-target.
The equalizer came in the 22nd minute when Malle, Krisshjoth Singh managed to shake off his marker on the left flank, delivering a pass to the far post for Chow, Pak Sum , who slotted home to make it 1:1.
Wong Tai Sin took control of the match in the 28th minute. A free kick from So, Chi Yan rebounded off the post to Chan, Kei Chun, who sent a cross from the right flank. The goalkeeper fumbled, allowing the ball to slip into the net, putting Wong Tai Sin ahead 2:1.
The 33rd minute saw Wong Tai Sin extending their lead further. Chow, Pak Sum executed a powerful drive down the left flank, sending a pass into the penalty box for the unmarked Malle, Krisshjoth Singh , who coolly netted the ball. This left Wong Tai Sin leading 3:1 at halftime.
Despite Wong Tai Sin maintaining dominance in the early stages of the second half, long-distance shots from Chan, Yui and Heung, Pak Qiu failed to extend their lead.
In the 51st minute, Hong Kong Football Club clawed back a goal through a swift counterattack. SHEPHERD Elliot Sidney latched onto a long pass and broke into the penalty area, and elegantly chipped the ball into the net, making it 2:3.
In the 60th minute, Hong Kong Club launched another offensive initiative, but SERISOLA Brishen's powerful narrow-angle shot was deflected by the goalkeeper.
The victory was sealed for Wong Tai Sin a minute later when Chan, Hiu Chak's free-kick delivery into the penalty area resulted in an unfortunate own goal by WANG Chuxuan (Jerry), extending Wong Tai Sin's lead to 4:2.
Finally, Wong Tai Sin held their nerve and protected their lead until the final whistle, clinching a 4:2 victory over Hong Kong Football Club and securing the third place in the Jockey Club Youth Football League (U18-FA Cup).