The match sprung into life immediately as Sha Tin carved out their first opportunity, with Leung Sin Fung unleashing a thunderous effort from a corner kick, only to be denied by resolute defending.

South Youth Club threatened moments later when Ng Kwan Po dispossessed the opposition in a dangerous position, but his ambitious strike sailed wide of the target.

The deadlock was broken on six minutes when Siu Chi Ho showed brilliant anticipation to intercept a pass before cutting inside and curling a sublime left-footed strike into the top corner to put Sha Tin ahead.

The attacking momentum continued as Siu Chi Ho nearly doubled his tally, weaving in from the left flank only to be thwarted by the alert Chu Tak Kei between the sticks.

South Youth Club responded swiftly through Cheng Cheuk Hong, who demonstrated excellent footwork on the right wing, but his effort was expertly saved by the goalkeeper Wan Tik Him.

As Sha Tin began to dictate proceedings, Lam Fu Kwai came agonizingly close after a delightful backheel from Choi Yan Hon, but was denied by remarkable goalkeeping.

The pressure paid off in the 13th minute when Yeung Hin Lok delivered an inch-perfect cross for the unmarked Leung Sin Fung, who made no mistake from close range to double Sha Tin's advantage.

Before the interval, Sha Tin continued to press, with Yeung Hin Lok rattling the woodwork from distance and Leung Sin Fung narrowly missing the target after latching onto Yip Tsz Chun Brian's defense-splitting pass.

The first half concluded with Sha Tin holding a commanding two-goal cushion.

After the restart, Sha Tin maintained their attacking impetus. Leung Sin Fung showcased his blistering pace down the left flank but was denied by fine goalkeeping, while Yip Tsz Chun Brian squandered a gilt-edged opportunity from point-blank range.

South Youth Club refused to throw in the towel and their persistence paid dividends in the 25th minute. Cheng Cheuk Hong reduced the deficit with a spectacular long-range strike that found the back of the net, making it 1:2.

Buoyed by their breakthrough, South Youth Club pressed forward with renewed vigor. Cheung Cheuk Yin carved out space on the right wing but saw his powerful drive parried away by the goalkeeper.

The comeback was complete on 30 minutes when Tse King Cho displayed tremendous strength to shield the ball from his marker before executing a clinical finish into the far corner.

In a frantic finale, Sha Tin desperately sought to restore their lead. Siu Chi Ho was denied from close range after Lam Fu Kwai's clever setup, while Leung Sin Fung's fierce drive whistled inches wide.

With nothing separating the sides after regulation time, the match headed to a penalty shootout.

In a dramatic conclusion, both sides showed nerves of steel from the spot, each missing twice in the first six rounds. The decisive moment came when Lam Fu Kwai's effort struck the upright, allowing Cheung Cheuk Yat to step up and coolly slot home the winning penalty, securing South Youth Club's progression with a 5:4 shootout victory and 7:6 aggregate triumph.