ENTER THE DRAGON: Kitchee make history thanks to last minute magic from Cheng Chin Lung

Kitchee came good on Chairman Ken Ng's promise to beat Eastern's ACL points total of 2017 and make Hong Kong proud as a spectacular last minute winner from local youngster Cheng Chin Lung was enough to gift the SAR its first ever ACL victory.

Still yet to get off the mark after the first 3 group games, the Bluewaves hopes of securing the points were given a huge boost after 15 minutes when 

Masashi Kamekawa was sent off for hauling down Alex Akande on the edge of the area. Reysol fans were furious, claiming that it wasn't a red card offence, but in reality Kamekawa dawdled in possession and wiped out Akande who would have been clean through otherwise, so a red card seemed deserved.  

Kitchee's big money signing, Diego Forlan (who has scored 3 direct free kicks in Hong Kong Premier League games this season) stepped up to take the free-kick amidst a sea of expectation but the Uruguayan blazed the ball way over the crossbar - to the disappointment of the local fans.

With the extra man, Kitchee looked to make their numerical advantage count but Kashiwa were a constant threat on the counter attack and nearly took the lead on the edge of half time but Yusuke Segawa scuffed his chance wide following a surging run which left defenders Helio and Kim Bong-Jin in his wake. 

Following the interval and now attacking the goal closest to their vocal Bluewave supporters group, Kitchee looked to make an imprint on the match and nearly scored following a great shot from veteran substitute Jordi.  However, just as they did in the reverse fixture last week, Kashiwa rolled out the big guns with 30 minutes remaining, introducing Cristiano and J.Ito into the fray. With Ramon Lopes still on the pitch as well, it was clear that the Japanese side was not going to settle for draw.  Indeed, Kashiwa nearly took the lead shortly after when Lopes failed to make the most of a great opportunity, seeing his chance cleared off the line by Bong-Jin. 

ENTER THE DRAGON: With 10 minutes remaining, Alex Chu made a substitution that will go down in the history books; choosing to replace Li Nga Hoi for Cheng Chin Lung.  The young midfielder was sent out on loan to Dreams FC at the start of the season but was recalled at the turn of the year thanks to his good form (Dreams have not won a game since his departure) - this was his third ACL substitute appearance and many fans were calling for him to start this game due to his fine performances in the other outings. 

However, the best was certainly yet to come.  In the 92 minutes, following excellent work from Forlan, who chased down a loose ball in the corner following a defensive clearance, the Hong Kong local picked up the ball on the wing and cut inside the box. With Forlan begging for a return pass, Dragon instead chose to go his own way and curled a stunning shot into the top corner of Kashiwa's net.  The resultant scenes were of absolute jubilation as many of the Kitchee faithful broke down in tears, unable to believe what they had just seen and knowing that they had just witnessed history in the making. 

Kitchee may still find themselves at the bottom of Group E but following this victory there is a renewed sense of belief among both players and fans. With Tianijn Quanjin still to come to Mong Kok stadium in April, the Bluewaves will believe that they can finish the group with at least 4 points.

KITCHEE: FOR THE GOOD OF HONG KONG