South China advanced to FA cup final after a 1-0 win against Eastern. The header from Yusuke Kato in the 5th minute was the only goal of the match. Eastern fielded a much different squad comparing to last week’s match against Southern.
Roberto Affonso and Diego Eli were suspended and replaced by Tsang Chi-hau and Leung Chun-pong. In addition, Tse Man-wing, Jaimes Mckee and Manuel Bleda made room for Cheng King-ho, Xu Deshuai and Giovane da Silva. South China made three changes comparing to last week’s league match against Kichee. Luiz Carlos, Leung Nok-hang, and Law Hiu-chung were replaced by Chan Siu-Kwan, Chak Ting-fung and Yusuke Kato. Dr Cheung, Convenor of South China, was reported to offer HK$ 10,000 to each player if they would win the game – and this extra motivation seemingly paid off.
South China took the lead soon after kick off. Leung Kwun-chung’s cross found the unmarked Kato who put the ball in the back of the net. Afterwards, both sides produced very few chances in the first half. Eastern won some set piece in threatening positions, but failed to convert the equaliser. Meanwhile, South China limited themselves to counter-attacks, without much danger potential.
Eastern were more aggressive in the second half, dominating the midfield, while the Carloliners spent most of the time defending. However, the reigning champions just didn’t find any recipe that day and South China managed to save their one-goal lead over the time.
They will play against Kitchee in the FA Cup final on May 14.
South China: Tsang Man-fai, Chak Ting-fung, Nikola Komazec, Chan Wai-ho (Leung Nok-hang, 46 min), Chan Siu-kwan, Malisic Bojan, Lo Kong-wai, Yusuke Kato (Awal Mahama, 17 min), Marko Perovic, Chu Siu-kei, Leung Kwun-chung (Law Hiu-chung, 61 min)
Eastern: Yapp Hung-fai, Josh Michell, Bai He, Xu Deshuai, Michel Lugo (Jaimes Mckee, 67 min), Tsang Chi-hau, Cheng King-ho (Lee Hong-lim, 46 min), Tsang Kam-to, Giovane da Silva, Ju Ying-zhi (Manuel Bleda, 64 min), Leung Chun-pong
