In an intense and frenetic 2nd leg between neighbours Hong Kong and Guangdong, the latter took home the 39th edition of the provincial cup after a fiercely contested game which ended 1-1 and 4-3 to Guangdong over two legs. The game was played out at a high tempo pace at a fiery Hong Kong Stadium as regional pride and bragging rights were at stake. Tempers and emotions boiled over a few times and on one or two occasions both sets of players had to be separated from each other to prevent further flare-ups.
Hong Kong had a glimmer of hope in the 21st minute when Lai Lok Yin’s pin-point cross found the head of Wong Tsz Ho, who towered high to slam down a goal to give Hong Kong the lead. Guangdong had the majority of the possession and pulled a goal back to make the game 1-1 in the 66th minute when Wang Song slammed home a curling free kick from the edge of the box. This gave Guangdong a 4-3 overall lead which they held for the rest of the 2nd leg to win the cup.
This incredibly entertaining game showcased the potential, dedication and talent of the Hong Kong national team’s fringe players as they attempt to overcome the 2-3 deficit from the first leg.
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- Guangdong endured two tough games to win
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- Coach Liu Chun Fai talks to the media after the game
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- Yeung Chi Lun of Hong Kong
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- Guangdong are champions
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- Hong Kong players after collecting their medals
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- Lam Hok Hei of Hong Kong
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- Last ditch defending prevents a HK Shot
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- The pain of defeat
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- Hong Kong salute the crowd post game
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- Hong Kong fans sang and chanted all night
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- Guangdong prepare for the second half
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- Team Huddles
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- Preparing to defend
