In a thrilling encounter at Tsing Yi Sports Ground on Sunday (March 2), HKFC secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals with a commanding 2:0 victory over Kwong Chung Southern in the Kwong Chung Bus 60th Anniversary FA Cup quarter-final clash.

The match began with both sides showing attacking intent. The opening exchanges saw HKFC's dynamic duo Chan Ho ka and Marcus Mcmillan combining well in the 5th minute, forcing a smart save from the goalkeeper from close range.

Kwoon Chung Southern responded with intent, as Stefan Pereira orchestrated a promising move, finding Jonatan Acosta whose thunderous effort took a deflection for a corner. The pressure continued when Ichikawa Sohgo showcased his technical ability, cutting inside from the flank, only to see his effort safely gathered by the goalkeeper.

The deadlock was broken in the 29th minute when Marcus Mcmillan was brought down in the box by Chak Ting Fung. After a VAR consultation, the referee pointed to the spot, and Leonardo Peres made no mistake, sending the keeper the wrong way to put HKFC 1:0 up.

Kwoon Chung Southern's reaction was immediate, with Kawase Kota unleashing a long-range effort that sailed over the crossbar. Just before the interval, HKFC nearly doubled their advantage through Jesus Salazar, whose goal-bound effort prompted a spectacular double save from the goalkeeper.

The second half saw Kwoon Chung Southern laying siege to the HKFC goal. Chan Hoi Pak Paco came agonizingly close twice in quick succession, first hitting the side netting from an acute angle, then blazing over when unmarked from Lee Ka Yiu's pinpoint cross.

The match reached fever pitch in the 68th minute when Kwoon Chung Southern created a flurry of chances. Jackson Franklim's powerful drive was expertly parried by the goalkeeper, followed by a goalmouth scramble from the resulting corner where both Mahama Awal and Jackson Franklim were denied by heroic goalkeeping.

As Kwoon Chung Southern pushed forward, Gregory Rocha had two gilt-edged chances to equalize, while at the other end, Chen Hao's counter-attacking run almost caught Kwoon Chung Southern off guard, but his effort was thwarted by the alert goalkeeper.

The crucial second goal came in the 88th minute through a beautifully crafted move. Chen Hao's mazy run down the right flank carved open the defense, and his precise cutback found Jack Bennie who swept home with his left foot to seal the victory.

In the end, HKFC defeated Kwong Chung Southern 2:0 to advance to the FA Cup semi-finals.

HKFC 2:0 KC Southern