In a thrilling BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League encounter at a packed Sham Shui Po Sports Ground on Sunday (April 6), Tai Po emerged victorious with a commanding 3:1 triumph over Kowloon City, claiming all three points in this crucial fixture.

The match sparked into life early when Tai Po's dynamic forward Lucas Da Silva was impeded in the penalty area by Kowloon City's defender Kang Junhyeon following a piercing long-range pass. Despite the golden opportunity from the spot, Igor Sartori's well-struck penalty was brilliantly denied by an acrobatic save from the goalkeeper.

Against the run of play, Kowloon City drew first blood in the 15th minute through a beautifully worked set-piece. Chan Man Fai's precise corner kick found Kang Junhyeon lurking at the far post, who exhibited exceptional technique to control with his chest before unleashing an unstoppable strike from an acute angle, making it 1:0.

The resilient Tai Po outfit responded with waves of attacks. Igor Sartori orchestrated a threatening move with a sublime turn and shot from the edge of the area, only to be denied by alert goalkeeping. Minutes later, Kevin Padilla's explosive run down the right flank culminated in a dangerous cross, but Lucas Da Silva's clinical attempt was thwarted by an outstanding reflex save.

The pressure continued mounting as Kevin Padilla, combining brilliantly with Igor Sartori, carved open another opportunity in the 34th minute, but his venomous strike from close range was expertly parried away by the in-form goalkeeper.

Kowloon City maintained their slender 1:0 advantage as the teams headed into the interval.

The second half commenced with Kowloon City nearly extending their lead when Yu Pui Hong delivered an inviting cross from the left wing, but Kayron Ramos' diving effort from point-blank range was somehow kept out by a phenomenal save.

Tai Po's response was immediate and incisive, as Igor Sartori's defense-splitting through ball found Michel Renner unmarked in a promising position, but the goalkeeper stood firm once again.

The breakthrough finally came for Tai Po on 59 minutes when Gabriel Roberto rose highest amid a forest of players to power home Igor Sartori's perfectly flighted corner, bringing the scores level.

The end-to-end action continued as Kayron Ramos, executing a clever one-two with Lam Hok Hei, rattled the woodwork with a thunderous effort that had the goalkeeper beaten.

Tai Po's persistence paid dividends in the 74th minute when a flowing move saw Lucas Da Silva deliver an inch-perfect cross to the far post, where Igor Sartori cleverly cushioned it into the path of Chan Siu Kwan Philip, who made no mistake with a clinical first-time finish.

Tai Po put the result beyond doubt three minutes later through a magnificent team goal. Michel Renner's mazy run down the left wing and precise cutback found Chan Siu Kwan Philip unmarked, allowing him to slot home his second of the afternoon with aplomb.

In the dying moments, Kowloon City nearly pulled one back as Abdoulaye Sane unleashed a powerful drive from distance after connecting with Yang Chao Jing's pass, but his effort whistled inches over the crossbar.

The final whistle confirmed Tai Po's impressive 3:1 comeback victory, securing three vital points in their campaign.

Kowloon City 1:3 Tai Po