2024-25 BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League - HKFC 1:3 BC Rangers
In a thrilling BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League encounter at HK Football Club Ground on Sunday (April 6), BC Rangers clinched a comprehensive 3:1 victory over HKFC, securing all three points.
BC Rangers drew first blood in the 7th minute after the referee pointed to the spot following Lam Ho Hei's handball infraction inside the area. Luiz Humberto stepped up and clinically dispatched the spot-kick with his right foot, breaking the deadlock.
BC Rangers continued to dominate proceedings, with Luis Humberto showcasing his technical prowess through an audacious long-range chip that whispered past the upright. The attacking onslaught persisted as Barak Braunshtain's dangerous delivery from the left flank caused havoc, with Yiu Ho Ming's goal-bound effort being desperately blocked by HKFC's resolute defense.
BC Rangers doubled their advantage in the 16th minute through a well-orchestrated move. Luis Humberto's penetrating run through the central channel created space before he picked out Ibrahim Yakubu, who cleverly teed up Maxwell Anash for a clinical left-footed finish, making it 2:0.
HKFC thought they had pulled one back in the 40th minute when Chen Hao, after receiving Chan Ho Ka's precise pass, engineered space before rattling the woodwork with a left-footed drive. Leonardo Peres pounced on the rebound, but the assistant's flag was raised for offside, denying the hosts a lifeline.
Ibrahim Yakubu nearly added his name to the scoresheet with an expertly executed chip over the advancing goalkeeper, but fortune favored HKFC as the ball drifted agonizingly wide.
The first half's final notable action saw Rindo Makoto's set-piece expertise on display, with his direct free-kick from the left narrowly sailing over the crossbar.
BC Rangers took their commanding 2:0 advantage into the interval.
After the restart, BC Rangers maintained their attacking impetus. Li Wing Ho squandered an opportunity following Ibrahim Yakubu's clever setup, before Luis Humberto produced a moment of acrobatic brilliance with an overhead attempt that was expertly gathered by the HKFC shot-stopper.
HKFC showed tremendous fighting spirit and nearly reduced the deficit in the 89th minute when Daniel Scally's powerful free-kick from the edge of the area forced a spectacular save, with the ball ricocheting off the upright.
Deep into stoppage time, Ibrahim Yakubu put the result beyond doubt, latching onto Guilherme Bitencourt's defense-splitting through ball before displaying ice-cold composure to slot home BC Rangers' third.
HKFC managed a consolation goal when Auston Kranick was upended in the box by Ma Yung Sang, with Leonardo Peres confidently converting the resulting penalty.
The final whistle confirmed BC Rangers' impressive 3:1 triumph, claiming all three points.
HKFC 1:3 BC Rangers