In a thrilling BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League encounter at HK Football Club Ground on Sunday (February 16), Kitchee emerged victorious with a convincing 3:1 triumph over HKFC, collecting maximum points.

The visitors showed early intent when Luis Machado delivered a dangerous cross following a well-worked short corner, but Matheus Dantas couldn't convert as his effort was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper.

The hosts threatened in the 16th minute through Leonardo Peres, who dispossessed his opponent before making a surging run down the right flank, only to be denied by the woodwork as his strike rattled the upright.

Kitchee dominated proceedings with a series of menacing attacks. The 20th minute saw Sherzod Temirov squander a golden opportunity, heading over from Luis Machado's pinpoint header delivery. Minutes later, Walter Junior's clinical movement saw him latch onto Sherzod Temirov's defense-splitting pass, but his left-footed effort was thwarted by the advancing goalkeeper.

Against the run of play, HKFC broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute. Callum Beattie showcased individual brilliance, cutting inside from the right before unleashing an unstoppable left-footed strike that flew into the top corner, making it 1:0.

Kitchee responded immediately, with Fernando Augusto's precise cross finding Sherzod Temirov at the far post, whose powerful drive forced a spectacular save from the goalkeeper.

Kitchee's persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time when Fernando Augusto combined with Law Tsz Chun before curling a sublime effort into the far corner from an acute angle.

The sides went into the interval deadlocked at 1:1.

Kitchee's momentum carried into the second period, and they were rewarded in the 48th minute when Fernando Augusto's dangerous delivery was inadvertently turned into his own net by the unfortunate Callum Beattie, giving the visitors a 2:1 advantage.

Kitchee continued to assert their dominance, with Walter Junior's effort taking a deflection before Fiel Welthon's follow-up was brilliantly saved.

HKFC showed glimpses of threat when a loose ball fell to Wong Sum Chit Sherman following a parried cross, but his attempt was bravely blocked by the Kitchee defense.

The hosts squandered a crucial opportunity to level in the 75th minute when Andrew Russell was fouled by Matheus Dantas in the penalty area. However, Daniel Scally's spot-kick was expertly saved by the goalkeeper.

The visitors continued to press for a decisive third goal. Chen Ngo Hin's powerful drive from range forced a spectacular diving save, while Walter Junior was denied by the crossbar after a clever run down the left.

Victory was sealed in the closing stages when Sherzod Temirov applied a clinical finish to Walter Junior's clever through ball, completing a well-deserved 3:1 victory for Kitchee and claiming all three points.

HKFC 1:3 Kitchee