The FA Cup final between Yuen Long and Hong Kong Pegasus was a fantastic and thoroughly entertaining match with all the drama and action that a cup final should encapsulate. A lively and enjoyable game saw the two sides play stylish football with attacking intent at a relentless pace with Pegasus enjoying greater ball possession and chances on and off target.
Both sides were keen on striking the first blow and Yuen Long took the lead in the the 67th minute when Aleksandar Randelovic netted home with a wonderfully executed half volley. This was against the run of play and it seemed that the underdogs could be having their day in the sun in front of their massed orange clad supporters.
Yuen Long did not hold their lead for too long as, on the 74th minute, Admir Adrovic drilled home an equalizer for Pegasus with a shot just inside the penalty box. The game went into extra time and Pegasus could have snatched a last minute winner though Jaimes Mckee’s point blank header was brilliantly saved by Yuen Long keeper YM Chiu
The game went into penalties and the kicks were taken facing into the South stand of Hong Kong stadium. Pegasus prevailed 4-3 with the crucial winning save being made by Pegasus keeper, Kiko, who was soon wheeling away in celebration as Pegasus were now champions.
The two sets of players struck a contrasting sight as Hong Kong Pegasus’s players and bench veered into joyful pandemonium, whilst sadly, the Yuen Long players all slumped to the ground with many in tears and inconsolable. Yuen Long had played with passion, resilience and drive and matched Pegasus all the way so this was a cruel defeat though hopefully, they will be able to bounce back stronger from the experience. The Yuen Long fans were a credit to their team and the large number of supporters at the game shows that their grassroots fan base is thriving.
Pegasus manager, Kevin Bond, has not been in charge for very long so this positive result will be a significant step forward for the team as they seek to continue their success and cap off their season with potentially the Henderson Sapling Cup and a AFC Cup spot.
Photos from game from Christopher KL Lau – chris@offside.hk
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- Hong Kong Pegasus Celebrate their win with fans
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- The two benches
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- Famous Face in the crowd
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- Pereira on the Attack for Yuen Long
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- Fabio Lopes after an off the ball incident
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- Yellow Card
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- YM Chiu celebrates Yuen Long’s first goal
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- Yuen Long celebrate their wonder goal by Randelovic
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- A shot on goal
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- Admir Adrovic
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- Admir Adrovic scores for Pegasus
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- Pegasus make it 1-1
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- Both Sets of Players During the Shoot Out
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- Pegasus Fans during the Penalty Shoot Out
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- Fans during the shoot out
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- The crucial save which won the cup
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- Agony and Joy
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- Pegasus celebrate their win
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- A helping hand and a moment of kindness
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- Crest Fallen Yuen Long players who fought hard all game
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- After such a great fight, defeat is hard to take
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- YM Chiu had an excellent game though still lost
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- Yuen Longs fans were vocal during the entire game
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- The pain of defeat
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- Yuen Long’s loyal support
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- Pegasus are Hong Kong FA Cup winners 2016
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- Pegasus players and the cup
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- The joy of victory
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- The Cup is taken to the Pegasus Fans
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- A hard earned victory
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- Silverware for Pegasus at last
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- The Pegasus management team including Kevin Bond
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- Jaimes Mckee celebrates
