The JC Sapling Cup (Group A) clash at North District Sports Ground on Saturday (November 16) saw Crownity North District and Kitchee battle to a 1:1 stalemate, with both sides sharing the spoils.

The hosts threatened early on, with Matheus Nascimento’s dangerous cross from the right flank in the 6th minute causing havoc in Kitchee's box. However, both Kiranbir Singh and Matheus Nascimento failed to capitalize on the opportunity.

Kitchee gradually found their rhythm and began to dominate possession. In the 11th minute, Fiel Welthon’s free-kick was comfortably saved by the keeper.

The deadlock was broken in the 15th minute when Kitchee's well-worked short corner routine between Cheng Chin Lung and Lam Lok Kan led to a goalkeeping error, allowing Fiel Welthon to nod home from close range.

Crownity North District responded swiftly, leveling the score in the 22nd minute. Matheus Nascimento dispossessed an opponent in the box before unleashing a left-footed strike that took a crucial deflection off Helio Goncalves, wrong-footing the keeper.

After the interval, Kitchee stepped up their game. Rey Aaron's pinpoint cross in the 58th minute narrowly eluded Cheng Chin Lung's head. Moments later, Kam Chi Kin Jason's long-range effort sailed wide of the target.

Kitchee continued to press for a winner. In the 78th minute, Sherzod Temirov rose highest to meet Lam Lok Kan’s cross but couldn't keep his header down.

Another gilt-edged chance fell to Kitchee in the 82nd minute. Yeung Cheuk Kwan’s delivery from the right found Sherzod Temirov who teed up Ruslan Mingazov, but the striker's effort from point-blank range went begging.

With time running out, Kitchee won a free-kick in a promising position. Lam Lok Kan's left-footed strike was expertly gathered by the alert goalkeeper.

In stoppage time, Kitchee launched one final assault. Rey Aaron whipped in a teasing cross from the left, but Sherzod Temirov couldn't apply the finishing touch.

At the final whistle, honors were even as Crownity North District and Kitchee settled for a point apiece in this hard-fought encounter.

Crownity North District 1:1 Kitchee