Cup final defeat as Kitchee count the cost of poor finishing- Kitchee 1 Lee Man 2

Match summary

Kitchee will end the season with just the league title (unless there is a meltdown of epic proportions) after defeat in the League Cup Final to Lee Man. In true Hong Kong public holiday tradition, nearly 4000 people were in attendance. A tetchy game saw Lee Man score twice early in the second half through counter attacks for Everton and Noah Baffoe, and despite Illarramendi pulling one back (which may be recorded as an own goal) Kitchee could not come from behind.

Team news

Kitchee made three changes from the derby victory over Eastern. League Cup goalkeeper Enikar came in for Bear, while Adrian and Kanda came in for Tan Chun-lok and Cheng Chin-lung. Jay Haddow and Martin Merquelanz both came off the bench after month long injuries. Bear was left out, and Jason Kam and Tan Chun-lok were fatigued after international duty (according to Calderon's post match comments) so both were unused subs.

Enikar; Riera, Dantas, Beattie (Jordan 60); Illarramendi, Mingazow (c), Kanda (Haddow 60), Kendy (Lung 86), Juninho (Merquelanz 60); Leandro, Adrian

Unused subs: Wang, Anson, Lok, Thurain, Jason, Chan Shing-chun, Li Siu-hin, Ari

Match events

Illarramendi had an acrobatic volley blocked, before Beattie's low cross/shot couldn't be turned in and dragged wide. Everton broke from halfway and saw his shot deflect through to Enikar for Lee Man's first chance of note. A quick throw from Everton caught Kitchee unaware (with Riera lying off the pitch after a coming together with Everton; Dantas' attempted clearance was caught by Enikar, leading to an indirect freekick being awarded. Mikael laid it off to Gaucho, and Kitchee blocked it, before Juninho headed clear. Enikar saved Mikael's header, before a dangerous cross from Mingazow was tipped over with no Kitchee player able to get on the end of it.

Less than 5 mins into second half, Gaucho's long ball was not dealt with by Beattie, and it was too easy for Everton to score. Kendy missed a sitter to equalise, which would prove crucial in the context of the game. Just before the hour, Mikael cleverly evaded Illarramendi in midfield, and played a lovely ball through to Noah Baffoe, who ran between Kitchee's centre backs and although he didn't hit the ball cleanly, it still found the back of the net. This goal forced a Kitchee triple sub, with Beattie, Juninho and Kanda being withdrawn with Merquelanz, Haddow and Jordan coming on- the latter pair coming on as fullbacks as Kitchee switched to a back four. Almost immediately Merquelanzs freekick was headed in by Illarramendi (it did take a touch off Mikael but seems to have been awarded to Kitchee's talisman). Kitchee pushed for an equaliser, with Leandro's cross being cleared, before Enikar saved smartly from Everton. Mikaels quick free kick saw Everton 1 on 1 with Enikar, he couldn't convert and Riera recovered well. Some fans were unhappy the freekick was taken with the referee not looking at the play when it was taken. Haddow and Illarramendi went close late on, but Kitchee could not equalise and will rue their chances. But the players will surely get over this at the weekend with the league hopefully being wrapped up on Sunday.

Fan feedback

Some fans are understandably disappointed, as Kitchee will end the season with only one trophy, likely to be confirmed on Sunday. The attack looked incredibly pedestrian with a lot of sideways and backwards passes, and the back three was caught out for both goals. Lee Man set out with a fairly defensive 3-4-3, and shut down Kitchee's attacks. Adrian was outside of the box swinging crosses in too often, while Illarramendi was the only man looking to progress the ball. Starting so many attacking players meant that when Kitchee needed a goal, there was only the rusty Martin Merquelanz, the seemingly out of favour Anson Wong and young striker Matthew Slattery. The latter two remained unused, and have hardly featured this campaign (with the caveat that Anson only arrived in January). There was a sense of complacency amongst Kitchee's players, and the performance of some players and the balance of a foreigner heavy side gives the club things to think about before the projected ACL2 campaign next year. That being said, Kitchee have been very strong for a lot of the season, and are still undefeated in the league, so it is important not to overreact to a rare defeat. 

International roundup

Hong Kong lost 2-1 in India last week. Tan Chun-lok earned his 60th cap for Hong Kong, captaining the side for the first time. Bear made his debut in goal, while Jason also debuted with half an hour off the bench. Jordan Lam was unused. Kitchee have eight players currently playing in the Premier League NextGen Beijing Cup for Hong Kong U16s, where they lost 2-0 to English side Wolves but beat Shanghai Shenhua 3-0.

What's next

The final league game of the regular season is against Rangers on the 12th April, at 6pm. Kitchee will be looking to wrap up the league before the Championship Group stage,  after Lee Man were held to goalless draws by Kowloon City and Eastern District. By the time the Rangers game rolls around, Kitchee will know exactly what is required. Regardless of Lee Man's result away at North District in the 3pm kickoff, a win for Kitchee secures the league. Kitchee's superiority on head to head record (the first tiebreaker) means that a Lee Man draw means a draw for Kitchee is enough, and were Lee Man to lose, Kitchee would secure the title before kick off.

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Match highlights

Post-match reaction from HK Kickers (featuring both managers and ourselves)

Kitchee come from behind as super sub Adrian secures derby victory- Kitchee 2 Eastern 1

Match summary

Kitchee ground out a hard-fought win over rivals Eastern to claim bragging rights and take a big step towards winning the league. A defensive mix up allowed Okubo to give Eastern an early lead, and Kitchee ended a first half behind for the first time this season. Calderon made the bold choice of substituting the booked pair of Tan Chun-lok and Dantas for Jason Kam and Adrian Revilla at half time. Adrian proved the difference maker; after setting up Leandro's equaliser with an exquisite pass, he got on the end of Illarramendi's long ball to score a late winner. After the trauma of the 2023-24 season, where Kitchee lost twice to Eastern in two weeks, Kitchee have now extended the unbeaten run over Eastern to six games.

Team news

Kitchee made five changes from the semi final victory midweek. League regulars Bear, Beattie, Illarramendi and Juninho came back in, with Cheng Chin-lung making a second consecutive league start. Leandro Martinez continued as centre forward after his good run of form. Jason Kam and Jordan Lam dropped to the bench, with Yumemi Kanda rested and Enikar and Tun Thurain also being left out in order to stick to foreign player limits. Chan Shing-chun came on for his first senior gametime since the end of November, and was in his first matchday squad since the end of January.

Bear; Riera, Dantas (Jason 46), Beattie; Mingazow, Lok (c) (Adrian 46), Illarramendi, Juninho (Jordan 90); Lung (Ari 75), Kendy, Leandro (Chan Shing-chun 90)

Unused subs: Wang, Anson, Buddle, Slattery, Li Siu-hin

Match events

Illarramendi and Lok went close in the opening exchanges. After good work down the left from Kitchee, Eastern keeper Cassaro claimed the ball off Lok's toe, with Lok catching him in the follow through. This drew blood on Cassaro's head and an angry reaction, with a yellow card for Lok and lengthy stoppage following. Gondra evaded Kitchee's defensive line, and when Dantas and Bear miscommunicated he poked it through and Okubo tapped it in despite the valiant efforts of Beattie. The dangerous Okubo then scored from Gondra's freekick, but he was offside. Eastern right back Callum Hall then went close from long range, and Kitchee went into halftime behind for the first time this season.

Calderon made a double sub and adjusted the team, which would prove to pay off massively. Mingazow went close after a great through ball from Lung, while Kendy also went close after good work on the right. Just after the hour, Adrian played an exquisite lofted through ball to Leandro, and the latter chipped the keeper with a first time finish. Kitchee pushed for a winner, and found one after seventy eight minutes. Illarramendi dispossed Lam Hin-ting in midfield, and played a lovely ball through to Adrian; the Spanish striker took a touch then scored with a composed finish. Eastern pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Kitchee held firm through substantial stoppage time.

Fan feedback

The first half saw Kitchee struggle, receiving three yellow cards, conceding a sloppy goal, and struggling to get anything going. A three game week is always going to cause a bit of fatigue, and despite rotations for each game, Kitchee were poor in the first half. Calderon made the bold move of swapping out the booked duo of captain Tan Chun-lok and Dantas, bringing on Jason Kam and Adrian Revilla. Jason was a straight swap for Dantas, but Adrian's introduction required some tactical adjustments- Lung dropped into a deeper midfield role, with Leandro dropping into the attacking midfield position. The second half was much better, with Kitchee exploiting Eastern's stupidly high line twice. Adrian has looked tired in recent weeks and allowing him to play a couple of games coming off the bench meant he looked like a new man at the weekend. Leandro's form recently has been superb, with six goals in his last five games, while Illarramendi continues to show his class, dictating the pace of the game. Winning ugly is a sign of champions and while it is not wrapped up yet, Kitchee showed they can get the job done.

What's next

Hong Kong were scheduled to play on both the 26th (8.15pm) and the 31st (9.30pm), with both games supposedly on TV as per HKFA's promise, but the details of these are not totally confirmed. Since the initial publication, the friendly with Nepal has been cancelled due to political uncertainty in the country. Tan Chun-lok, Jordan Lam, and Bear made the final squad, with Jason Kam earning a well-deserved callup after Vas Nunez dropped out injured. Assistant manager Fernando Recio will also be with the Hong Kong squad again.

Kitchee then have a break until the League Cup final against Lee Man, which will take place on the 7th April at Mong Kok Stadium, after some debate about whether it could be held at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. The final league game of the regular season is against Rangers on the 12th April, at 6pm. Kitchee are currently five points away from sealing the league win, after Lee Man were held to a goalless draw by Kowloon City. By the time the Rangers game rolls around, Kitchee will know exactly what is required. If Lee Man fail to win both games they play (trips to Eastern District and North District) before we take on Rangers, we can win the league in our final game of the regular season. 

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Match highlights

Leandro's penalty sees Kitchee reach first final in two years- Kitchee 1 Kowloon City 0

Match summary

On a Wednesday night in Mong Kok, Kitchee overcame a stubborn Kowloon City to advance to theLeague Cup final. Leandro's retaken penalty in the first half gave Kitchee the lead, and proved to be the only goal of the game. Both sides had chances, with Leandro also having a goal ruled out for offside. The game ended somewhat controversially, with Kowloon City having penalty claims turned down in stoppage time.

Team news

Kitchee made a number of changes from Saturday's league game against the same opposition. Enikar, Dantas, Ari, Lok, Kanda and Jordan came in, while there was also a debut for Myanmar youth international Tun Thurain. Bear was rested, while Beattie, Mingazow, Illarramendi, Lung, Juninho and Adrian dropped to the bench. Matthew Slattery returned to a senior matchday squad for the first time since mid-December after an ankle injury. According to transfermarkt, Cheng Chin-lung's appearance off the bench was his 150th for Kitchee, a great achievement for the academy graduate.

Enikar; Riera, Jason (Beattie 74), Dantas; Ari (Mingazow 81), Lok (c), Kanda, Jordan; Thurain (Juninho 70), Kendy (Lung 70); Leandro (Adrian 70)

Unused subs: Wang, Illarramendi, Anson, Buddle, Slattery, Li Siu-hin, Liang Kui-chung

Match events

The game had a scrappy start- both sides had chances, Kitchee the better team. Just after half hour mark, Ari Lam played in Leandro, who was taken out in the box. His first penalty saved, but the keeper was off his line; Leandro duly scored the retake. Enikar made some great saves to Kitchee in the lead either side of half time. Early in the second half Jordan Lam went on a run from the left hand side and saw his effort saved. In the second half Kowloon City posed many threats against Kitchee's high line, but Kitchee arguably should have extended the lead. First, Leandro missed a sitter after a good cross from the left, and he later scored an offside goal, tapping in the rebound after Yumemi Kanda's strike from distance was saved. Substitutes Adrian and Mingazow combined with the latter denied. Kowloon City kept pushing, and they were extremely aggrieved not to have a late penalty. But Kitchee held on and advance to the final.

Fan feedback

Ari Lam became the first teenager to pass 400 minutes in a season for Kitchee since Tuscany Shek, Jason Yuen and Matthew Slattery all did so in 23/24, albeit aided by the never ending Sapling Cup and the requirement for young players to play more in that competition. We saw Kanda used in a deeper role where he saw more of the ball; he went close with what would have been a superb goal before an offside Leandro poked in the rebound and ultimately it was disallowed.

Enikar made some good saves, the defence looked a bit cagey, and the attack was a bit pedestrian at times. Kowloon City were a lot more physical than in the league game on Saturday which did take Kitchee some time to deal with. Kitchee have kept 10 clean sheets in 20 games this season.

Key players were rested- Bear was not in squad, Illarramendi was an unused substitute, while key attacking players had short cameos off the bench. Kitchee will be eyeing up a trophy and then continue the momentum to hopefully sealing the league trophy.

What's next

Kitchee go back to TKO on Saturday to take on Eastern in the derby (albeit the two sides no longer share a stadium). 3pm kick off. Hong Kong play on both the 26th and the 31st, although no final squad has been released yet. Kitchee then have a break from domestic action until the League Cup final against Lee Man, which while originally scheduled for the 6th April at Mong Kok Stadium, rumours have circulated that it could be played on the 7th April at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground. As always, this decision will likely be left until the last minute.

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Match highlights

Four goals, three points and the winning run continues- Kitchee 4 Kowloon City 0

Match summary

Kitchee extended the winning run in the league to eleven games with a straightforward victory overKowloon City. On Saturday at TKO, first half goals from Leandro and Kendy made Kitchee comfortable, before Leandro again and a goal from substitute Yumemi Kanda completed the win, as Kitchee bounced back from penalty heartbreak last week.

Team news

Law Tsz-chun and Matthew Slattery remained side-lined long term, with Martin Merquelanz missing for the second game in a row. They were joined on the injury list by Jay Haddow, but Roger Riera returned to the starting line up for the first time since mid January as part of three changes. Kendy and Cheng Chin-lung started, with Tan Chun-lok and Yumemi Kanda dropping to the bench, and Dantas being left out of the squad. Seventeen year old centre back Liang Kui-chang made his first matchday squad.

Bear; Riera, Jason, Beattie; Mingazow (c) (Ari 70), Lung (Lok 74), Illarramendi (Li Siu-hin 81), Juninho (Jordan 74); Kendy, Leandro; Adrian (Kanda 70)

Unused subs: Wang, Anson, Buddle, Liang Kui-chung

Match events

Lung, closing in on 150 Kitchee appearances, had a shot from the edge of the box which was tipped over. Kendy beat the Kowloon City defence to get on the end of Illarramendi's  long ball, and teed up Leandro for a simple finish. Diego Eli hit a freekick straight at Bear, before Mingazow went close with an ambitious long range effort. Bear easily dealt with the few tame efforts Kowloon City managed. Kendy's free kick deflected off the bottom of the wall into the path of Leandro who scored, but was judged to have been offside. After half an hour, Illarramendi played in Mingazow down the right; his cross missed everyone in the middle but Kendy scored a nice right footed effort from the left hand side. Not a lot else happened in the first half, although Kowloon City midfielder Habib was very fortunate not to receive a second yellow card.

Early in the second half Mingazow picked up another assist as Leandro doubled his tally at the near post, and he almost had a hat trick but his shot was deflected wide. A momentary lapse in concentration from Kitchee gave Luzinho to hit a tame effort that Bear easily dealt with. Substitute Li Siu-hin injected some energy, and almost had his first professional assist, as Kendy attempted to flick in his cross from the right, but the goalkeeper made a smart reaction save. Kanda and Leandro played a smart one-two, with Kanda scoring with a low shot to make it 4-0. Li siu-hin was denied his first Kitchee goal in stoppage time as the keeper tipped it over.

Fan feedback

Another win and a clean sheet, and fans a lot happier after last week's cup exit. Kitchee were rarely troubled defensively and also did not need to play at full intensity. Memories of last season's embarrassing collapse did have a few fans wary at half time, but Leandro's second goal early in the second half put those fears to bed. Kitchee have now kept nine clean sheets in nineteen games, including three in five at TKO, and that is despite some chopping and changing in the backline at the start of 2026, with Dantas and Riera serving bans, and Riera later being injured. The attack looked good and Kitchee could definitely have scored more, with Cheung Kwai-wa (who was at Kitchee from the age of ten to eighteen) making a number of good saves. Saturday was the fifth time in eight games post-Christmas that Kitchee scored three or more goals, and the tenth time in nineteen games all season. 

Kitchee were comfortable and were able to take Adrian and Mingazow off with twenty minutes left, with Juninho and Illarramendi also not playing a full ninety. Hopefully this keeps them rested for the two games Kitchee have this week. Starting Tan Chun-lok and Yumemi Kanda on the bench meant they are well-rested ahead of this week's games. Cheng Chin-lung was productive in a rare start, going close early on and helping progress the ball down the right hand side for Kitchee's third goal. Illarramendi was dominant, playing the 'pre-assist' for both of Kitchee's first half goals with excellent passes. Li Siu-hin could have had a goal and an assist off the bench in an energetic cameo but for excellent goalkeeping, and Ari Lam also looked solid after playing in the schools final earlier in the day (he later played for Kitchee's under 22s on Sunday too). 

What's next

Kitchee play Kowloon City in the League Cup midweek at Mong Kok (18th March at 8pm) before finishing off the week at TKO against Eastern in the league (21st March at 3pm). Hong Kong are playing two away games at the end of the month; a friendly with Nepal (26th March 8.15pm HKT) and the dead rubber Asian Cup qualifier with India (31st March 9.30pm HKT). We expect a final squad to be announced at some point this week, to see how many of our five players in the preliminary squad make the final cut, although with Jay Haddow's recent injury the most this will be is four (unless Beattie's international clearance is sorted out). Li Siu-hin, Liang Kui-chung and seventeen year old Sin Wai-kiu were all called up to Hong Kong's under 20 squad for a training camp in Thailand.

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Match highlights

Treble dreams over as Kitchee lose on penalties to ten man Tai Po- Tai Po 1(6) Kitchee 1(5)

Summary

Kitchee exited the FA Cup in the quarter finals to Tai Po for the second year in a row. Kitchee legend Fernando gave Tai Po an early lead, before Adrian equalised in the first half. After a hundred and twenty minutes the sides could not be separated, and despite Bear saving from Renner, Tse Ka-wing saved from Jay Haddow and Anson Wong to eliminate Kitchee.

Team news

Long term absentees Law, Riera and Slattery remained injured. Kitchee made three changes from last week's win, with Anson and Kendy dropping to the bench and the injured Merquelanz being left out of the matchday squad. Illarramendi, Mingazow and Juninho came in to the starting lineup. 

Bear; Dantas, Jason (Lung 90), Beattie; Mingazow, Lok (c) (Haddow 68), Illarramendi (Ari 99), Kanda (Anson 99), Juninho (Jordan 83); Leandro (Kendy 68), Adrian

Unused subs: Wang, Buddle

Match events

Ka-wing denied Dantas and Adrian with a good double save from a Kanda corner, before Bear saved with his legs from Philip Chan. After 10 minutes, Fernando's hopeful effort from the right hand side flew through the hands of Bear, and then Tan Chun-lok headed onto the bar from an offside position. Just after the half hour,  good linkup down the right saw Mingazow cross for Adrian to score his eleventh goal of the season.

As the second half started Fernando poked in from an offside position, and Bear made good saves to deny Renner, Marcao and Chung. Kanda fired wide from range, but Kitchee fans grew frustrated with a number of overhit and wayward crosses, and an inability to break Tai Po down. The frustration intensified as Weverton was shown a second yellow card in stoppage time, although replays show this was a harsh decision. Extra time loomed.

In extra time Kitchee remained unable to break down a stubborn Tai Po team, who took the opportunities to go down and waste time from restarts. Dantas had a go from long range and Mingazow headed wide, but the crossing got even more wasteful. Michel Renner ran the length of the pitch for Tai Po and blasted over. Kitchee suffered with a lack of structure and leadership as the game went on- Tan Chun-lok went off just after the hour, and Illarramendi went off after cramping up in extra time, meaning Kitchee ended the game with just one player over twenty eight on the pitch, while the majority of Tai Po's remaining players had that know-how to wind the clock down and defend resiliently.

Penalties then arrived. Kitchee's first shootout since the meaningless HKPL Cup in the 24/25 season, and last proper shootout since the Senior Shield final in 2023. Bear saved Tai Po's third penalty, from Michel Renner, which left Jay Haddow with the chance to send Kitchee through. His effort was saved, and in sudden death Anson Wong also saw his penalty saved, and despite having an opportunity to retake owing to Tse Ka-wing coming off his line, this was also saved, and Kitchee suffered their first penalty shootout defeat since early 2019.

Fan feedback

Mainly frustration, after playing nearly forty minutes against ten men, having also had over half an hour (when the lengthy stoppage time is included) away at Tai Po in October, and Kitchee could not get the job done. When Tai Po sit back, Kitchee have no answers. The substitutions for the first time this season did not pay off, as Kitchee could not get the job done in normal time, and only had younger players on the bench. As penalties loomed, only one of Kitchee's players was over 28 years old, while eight of the ten on the pitch for Tai Po had this experience and know-how. While fans have very much enjoyed the much younger profile of player this season, it was lacking in experience and leadership at the end. The absence of an actual striker on the bench left Kitchee short of ideas, with Adrian starting to look a bit weary (missing a couple of sitters), and the Spaniard has played over two hundred minutes more than any other Kitchee player. None of Kitchee's subs were able to influence the game, and the substitutions made left the team a bit unbalanced, with Illarramendi and then Haddow at centre back and Cheng Chin-lung in holding midfield. It could be argued that some of the subs had absolute stinkers. Some fans felt it would have been a good opportunity to rotate the goalkeepers and give Wang Zhenpeng a game, and it would have given some more experience and vocal leadership as the game went on. 

Kitchee's crossing was woeful throughout, and despite Kitchee's goal (and a number of good chances) coming from low crosses, Kitchee continued to attempt to go high, which the nearly two metre tall Marcao dealt with with ease. There was little attacking cohesion, with players struggling to stay on the same wavelength and exploit the space created. Some fans felt Mingazow (captain at the end) and Jordan Lam (having scored the decisive penalty in the Lunar New Year Cup) should have stepped up before Jay Haddow did. That being said, penalties are a lottery that is not common, and if players self-selected, fans admire those who did. Bear made an almost identical mistake to one he made in the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cup, but did bounce back with a number of sharp saves. It was commented that when he relies on instinct he is very good, but when he has time to think about longshots, he gets nervous. As mentioned earlier, there was no second striker on the bench. Matthew Slattery has been injured for two months, but is unlikely to be the answer, and while Kitchee did invest in two attacking players, neither are out and out strikers.

After the victory last week Kitchee fans chanted 'Champions of Hong Kong' which players and staff discouraged as getting too complacent. Saturday was a reality check and gives Kitchee some things to work on for the final stretch of the season. The title is arguably Kitchee's to lose as it stands, but they will have to be much more clinical. That being said, Kitchee are still unbeaten in the league, and have only lost one game in ninety minutes all season so it is important not to get carried away.

What's next

Kitchee play three games in a week before the international break. First up is the league game against Kowloon City at TKO (14th March at 6pm). Then we take on the same opponent in the League Cup midweek at Mong Kok (18th March at 8pm) before finishing off the week at TKO against Eastern in the league (21st March at 3pm). As always there is the chance that HKFA change the dates and times at short notice. Tan Chun-lok, Jordan Lam and the uncapped trio of Jay Haddow, Jason Kam and Bear have been called up to the Hong Kong preliminary squad for the Nepal friendly and India qualifier in the March window. Juninho is suspended following two yellow cards in qualification.

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Match highlights

Five goals, three points, and ten wins in a row- Kitchee 5 HKFC 2

Summary

Kitchee bounced back from going behind for the first time since November with a 5-2 win over HKFC. In front of a paltry 500 fans, Tatsuya Inoue gave HKFC a shock lead after ten minutes, but Anson Wong equalised moments later. Leandro Martinez scored his first Kitchee goals since December, either side of Bear saving a penalty (the awarding of which stunned the crowd) as Kitchee led 3-1 at half time. Adrian's double early in the second half extended the lead to 5-1 (although his first goal has since been given as an own goal) and a demolition looked on the cards. But with an eye on the FA Cup next week Kitchee slowed down, and HKFC nabbed another goal back with around ten minutes left. With Lee Man drawing on Saturday Kitchee's lead extends to fourteen points, but despite the crowd enthusiastically singing 'Champions of Hong Kong', coach Inigo Calderon and some of the players encouraged fans to not get complacent as the job is not done yet.

Team news

Kitchee adjusted slightly for this game, switching to a 3-1-4-2. Law Tsz-chun, Roger Riera and Matthew Slattery remained out, and Illarramendi was rested with next week's FA Cup clash in mind, having played ninety minutes in eight consecutive games. Kitchee made three changes, with Mingazow and Juninho dropping to the bench, and Leandro, Martin Merquelanz (for his Kitchee debut) and Anson Wong (for his first start) coming into the side.

Bear; Dantas, Jason, Beattie (Jordan 73); Lok (c); Merquelanz, Kanda (Li Siu-hin 63), Kendy (Ari Lam 73), Anson (Haddow 46); Leandro, Adrian (Mingazow 63)

Unused subs: Wang, Lung, Buddle, Juninho

Match events

Inoue drove at Kitchee down the HKFC left, sitting down Merquelanz and scoring a lovely goal early for a shock lead after ten minutes. But Kitchee equalised soon after. A lofted ball from dantas into the debutant Merquelanz whose cross from the right was tucked in by Anson, very similar to his goal on his debut in January. Good passing and moving from Adrian, Kanda and Kendy saw the latter set up Leandro for a simple finish just after the half hour, before HKFC were awarded a penalty which Bear saved with his legs. Leandro doubled his account in stoppage time, after Kendy cleverly dinked a freekick into the box for his second assist. 3-1 and Kitchee were comfortable.

Adrian got on the end of Leandros cross to add a 4th, although it seems to have been given as an own goal after taking a touch off the HKFC centre back. Beattie played in Kendy who saw his shot saved. The impressive Merquelanz swung in a quality corner which was headed onto the post by Leandro going for his hat trick, but Adrian tapped in the rebound. HKFC pulled another goal back late on after an impressive break down the right by young right back William Mirwasser. Leandro and Haddow both had chances to increase the lead further, but in the end Kitchee enjoyed a straightforward victory with key players taken off early ahead of next weeks cup game, and some not playing at all.

Fan feedback

It was strange to see Kitchee go a goal behind for the first time since Southern away at the end of November, especially against a side that had only achieved four points all season. But Kitchee bounced back almost instantly, and in the end were comfortable. The gamble of playing two wingers as wingbacks against a weaker team paid off, and meant that some of Kitchee's other key names are well rested for next week. Illarramendi was left out of the squad altogether, while Juninho was an unused substitute and Jay Haddow came on at half time. The nature of the victory meant that Adrian Revilla and Yumemi Kanda were able to come off with nearly half an hour to go.

Martin Merquelanz had a solid debut, despite slipping in the build up to the opening goal. He effortlessly switched flanks at half time, and his deliveries posed threats, both from open play and set pieces. His cross from the right was tapped in for the equaliser by Anson Wong, although Leandro Martinez may have got a touch on the way through. Merquelanz's corner led to Kitchee's fifth goal, as Leandro's header into the post was tucked in. For a man without a competitive game since early November, he completed his first ninety minutes in almost five years, after a few injury-ravaged years. We hope he can continue this throughout the rest of the season.

Leandro Martinez had by far his best game in a Kitchee shirt, scoring twice and also hitting the post. Transfermarkt has given him three assists, but some may disagree. His slightly wayward finishing in recent weeks had frustrated the fans but the man of the match display was a welcome change, as he scored his first goals since December. The margin of victory allowed some rest and rotation in the second half, with teenagers Li Siu-hin and Ari Lam coming on, and Jay Haddow playing in central midfield. Sunday's victory meant Kitchee reached ten wins in a row, and the players and staff will be hoping to continue this in the upcoming weeks.

What's next and other news

Kitchee next take on Tai Po in the FA Cup on Saturday night, in a 6.30pm kickoff at Mong Kok. After one trophy in the last two seasons, Kitchee will be determined to win as much as possible, so will go all out to win it. There are three league games remaining before the league splits into a championship and relegation group.

In the Lunar New Year Cup between Hong Kong and FC Seoul, Juninho scored from a Jay Haddow cross as the game ended 1-1. Tan Chun-lok captained the side, with Bear and Jason Kam also starting. Jordan Lam came off the bench and scored the decisive penalty in the shootout. Kitchee announced the formal signing of Myanmar under 22 international Thurain Tun, who debuted and scored for Kitchee's U22s in midweek, along with the promotion to the first team of teenage goalkeeper Tang Pui-chun. The young goalkeeper started four of five games for the Hong Kong under 17 side in Asian Cup qualification in November. 

Hong Kong's two games during the March international window have been confirmed, with a trip to Nepal on the 26th March (kick off 8.15pm Hong Kong time) and the final dead rubber Asian Cup qualifier in India on the 31st March (kick off 9.30pm Hong Kong time). We anticipate a number of Kitchee players to be involved, and will update you when the squads are released.

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Match highlights

Another win, another clean sheet as Kanda's strike seals all three points- Kitchee 1 Lee Man 0

Summary

Kitchee's winning run in the league extended to nine games, as Yumemi Kanda's strike just before the hour mark sealed a vital three points. A crowd of over two thousand witnessed the crucial Sunday night encounter, where despite a number of uncompromising tackles, the only yellow cards shown were for dissent and timewasting, in the final stages.

Team news

Kitchee switched back to a back three formation, with captain Tan Chun-lok coming in for Jay Haddow. Roger Riera was sidelined with an eye injury, alongside longterm absentees Law Tsz-chun and Matthew Slattery. New signing Martin Merquelanz (more on him later) was also left out, as he returns to full fitness.

Bear; Dantas, Jason (Ari 83), Beattie; Mingazow, Lok (c) (Lung 83), Illarramendi, Juninho (Jordan 73);
Kendy (Leandro 73), Kanda (Haddow 61); Adrian

Unused subs: Wang, Anson

Match events

Bear saved from Noah early on, before Kitchee went close a couple of times as both sides sought to gain a foothold. Bear was called into action when he kept out Tursunov's header with a superb save as the Uzbek rose highest at a Wong Wai corner, and soon afterwards Leung Hing-kit in the Lee Man goal pulled off a similar quality save to deny Adrian's header, and the sides went in at half time level.

Just before the hour mark, Illarramendi played a short pass to Kanda who played the ball back onto his right foot and scored a fantastic goal from outside the box. Soon after Adrian should have doubled Kitchee's lead but he missed with the goal gaping. Kitchee then spent a lot of the remaining thirty minutes defending their own box, as Lee Man brought on more and more attackers, but Kitchee held firm for a monumental win. The first double over Lee Man since 2018/19, and the first time Kitchee had been undefeated against Lee Man in a league season since 2020/21 (ignoring the solitary encounter of 2021/22 which ended in a draw).

Fan feedback

The unbeaten run continues, with another win and another clean sheet in a crucial match. Kitchee controlled possession and the game, but Lee Man did pose an aerial threat at set pieces. Illarramendi continues to show his class, and has played the full ninety minutes in the last eight games, ending any doubt about his fitness levels. Yumemi Kanda has been incredible this season, and yet again delivered a clutch performance with the only goal. Kitchee currently do not look like being beaten, and yet again Calderon's subs kept up the same intensity. Kitchee will hope Riera's injury does not sideline him for too long, and that Jason Kam being taken off was a precaution, as they seek to regain the title after two poor seasons. 

What's next and other news

Last week Kitchee announced the signing of Spanish winger Martin Merquelanz, who last played for FC Andorra. A teammate at Real Sociedad with Illarramendi, Martin made his senior debut coming on for the Champions League winner. Predominantly a left winger, he has also played centrally and on the right, and has a lot of experience in the top leagues in Spain. We look forward to seeing what he can do this season.

This weekend a Hong Kong team (minus the majority of those based abroad) take on FC Seoul of South Korea in the Lunar New Year Cup. Quite frankly its a pointless fixture with the focus on reaching government KPIs and earning money, rather than benefitting the players involved. HKFA have spent more time promoting the entertainment acts than the players involved. Kitchee have Pong Cheuk-hei, Jay Haddow, Jason Kam, Jordan Lam, Tan Chun-lok and Juninho in the squad.

Kitchee's next game is another Sunday night, on the 1st March. Hong Kong Football Club will come to TKO, as Kitchee aim to go for ten wins in a row. Hope to see you there.

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Match highlights

Another clean sheet as winning run continues- Kitchee 3 Southern 0

Summary

Kitchee extended the winning run with a comprehensive victory at home to Southern. On a wet Saturday in TKO, goals from Jason Kam, Dantas and substitute Jordan Lam made it an easy win. Kitchee were dominant and could have scored more, with the margin of victory allowing key players to come off with the crucial game against Lee Man in two weeks in mind.

Team news

Roger Riera was suspended, having previously not missed a minute this season. Lok and Leandro dropped to the bench. Jason Kam came in at centre back, with Kendy and Mingazow coming in further forward. Mingazow captained Kitchee from the start for the first time in his career, having previously taken on the armband in the latter stages of games. There were also a return to the bench for Seb Buddle, having not been in a matchday squad since September due to injury.

Bear; Haddow (Buddle 82), Dantas, Jason, Beattie; Illarramendi, Mingazow (c) (Anson 77), Kendy, Kanda (Lok 74), Juninho (Jordan 74); Adrian (Lung 82)

Unused subs: Wang, Leandro, Adrian Chan, Ari Lam

Match events

Juninho was heavily involved early on, with a nice cross from the left not met by anyone. He also forced a save from Ivan Ng after winning the ball back just outside the box. Illarramendi went close with an acrobatic effort, as Kitchee were dominant, and they got their goal halfway through the half. Kendys low corner evaded everyone in the box, and Adrian peeled off to shoot goalward, where Jason Kam flicked it in for his first professional goal. Shu Sasaki almost equalised with Southern's only chance of note; after a corner was cleared out, he struck the ball on the volley just over the bar.

Kitchee continued to dominate in the second half, with Juninho denied by a great save. Just after 70 minutes, Kendys freekick was headed in by Dantas for his second Kitchee goal as another set piece paid dividends. Tan Chun-lok and Jordan Lam then came on, with the latter scoring almost immediately from Mingazows cross to also score his second Kitchee goal. At 3-0 Kitchee were cruising, and with a crunch game in 2 weeks against Lee Man, Calderon brought off Mingazow, Adrian and Jay Haddow. It was great to see Seb Buddle make his first appearance since April, after a few injuries in the last 9 months. Bring on Lee Man

Fan feedback

A straightforward win, with enough to get past Southern without breaking a sweat. This was actually Kitchee's first home win over Southern since October 2022, as the last two league meetings ended in draws with Kitchee massively underperforming against a bogey team. The team adapted well to the poor weather conditions, and were able to manage player minutes, with Tan Chun-lok coming off the bench with bigger games ahead. The defence was largely untroubled, although a little bit chaotic in getting the ball out of Kitchee's half, but Southern had no answer to Kitchee's attack. On another day Kitchee could have easily had five or six- Kitchee should have had one penalty, maybe two, and did miss a few good chances as Southern were relatively disciplined, just not good enough. Great personal milestone for Jason Kam to score his first goal in his breakout season, with Dantas and Jordan both doubling their Kitchee goal tallies, and it eases the pressure on the attackers knowing that there are goals throughout the team, albeit the vast majority are still attacking players. Kitchee have used set pieces as a bit of a weapon recently, both in unsettling opponents and in the case of this week, scoring twice. The Lee Man game in two weeks will prove a key benchmark in how far Kitchee have come; both sides enter the game in a fairly freescoring way- Kitchee have scored ten and given up two in their last three games while Lee Man have scored twenty goals in their last four, while letting in five. It promises to be a huge game, and a win for Kitchee would put them into the driving seat for the league, while even a point maintains Kitchee's advantage.

What's next

Lee Man at TKO on the 15th February, at 6pm. Hong Kong will take on FC Seoul of South Korea on the 21st February. 

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Highlights

Kitchee start off the TKO era with three points to extend the winning run- Kitchee 4 Tai Po 2

Summary

Kitchee began the new (hopefully temporary) era at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground with a crucial three points against Tai Po. At a stadium where the 'running track' around the outside resembled a building site, goals from Yumemi Kanda (2), Juninho and Adrian Revilla put Kitchee into a 4-0 lead. Naturally the intensity dwindled in the second half, which allowed Tai Po to score two consolations from near-identical corners.

Team news

Kitchee swapped to a back four again, with Dantas returning from suspension, and Haddow and Kanda being promoted from the bench. Jason Kam and Jordan Lam dropped to the bench, with Kendy out of the matchday squad. Law Tsz-chun and Matthew Slattery remained injured and neither seem like they will return soon.

Bear; Haddow (Jason 74), Riera, Dantas, Beattie (Jordan 82); Lok (c) (Lung 74), Illarra, Leandro, Kanda, Juninho (Anson 74); Adrian (Mingazow 74)

Unused subs: Wang, Chan Shing-chun

Match events

Leandro flicked onto the bar from Haddows cross early on, which was a sign of things to come. Soon afterwards, another cross from the right was cushioned by Juninho to Kanda, who took a touch and fired home. Just past the halfway stage of the half, another Haddow cross was met at the back post by the diving Juninho to double Kitchee's lead. As half time approached, Kitchee scored their third after an outstanding corner routine that caught Tai Po off guard. From the left hand side Juninho played it short to Kanda, who passed back to Illarra before running into the box. Illarra played it across to Haddow, who played a perfectly-weighted chip into the box which Kanda met, evading the dive of Tse Ka-wing and stunning the nearly 1500 fans. Almost bang on half time Haddow popped up on the left hand side to square the ball across to Adrian who scored for the fourth game in a row. 4-0 at halftime, and Kitchee were in dreamland, with their largest half time lead since being 5-0 up at Kowloon City away in November 2024. 

As is often the case in one-sided games like this, the second half was fairly dull. Leandro and Tai Po's Valverde traded wayward long shots, and as the game meandered to a close Tai Po scored from two corners, while Cheng Chin-lung and Anson Wong both went close to extending Kitchee's lead. Michel Renner hit the bar and post in the closing stages but Kitchee held on for a 4-2 win. Seven league wins in a row, ten unbeaten in all competitions, and thirteen unbeaten in the league (including the final game of last season).

Fan feedback

A game of two halves, where Kitchee's phenomenal intensity in the first half was unlikely to be maintained. Kitchee were able to give key players rest with the game secured, albeit Tai Po did find some life near the end of the game. The tactical flexibility of the side makes us a challenge to anyone, and Calderon trusts the majority of the squad, which allows for changes to keep the team fresh. Jay Haddow was outstanding at right back, and Yumemi Kanda's brace was well deserved. Juninho and Adrian also impressed, but in general it was a very good team performance, and the two consolations flattered Tai Po. Leandro Martinez missed a number of chances throughout the game, as has been the story of our season, and on another day Kitchee could have scored seven or eight. The squad could probably still do with a better back up for Adrian up front and another defender as cover, and Calderon revealed post-match that another versatile midfielder is coming in imminently.

What's next 

Southern at TKO next Saturday. A 3pm kickoff as Kitchee look to extend the winning streak and remain out at the top of the table.

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Match highlights

Winning run continues as late goals seal comfortable victory- Rangers 0 Kitchee 3

Written by Adam O'Domhnaill

Summary

Kitchee won their sixth game in a row, and extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to nine games. In a scrappy game on a poor quality Tsing Yi pitch, Illarramendi's first time strike from distance just after the half hour put Kitchee ahead. A drab game saw a lack of real chances, but Kitchee's substitutes offered some energy late on, with debutant Anson Wong grabbing an assist for Adrian and a goal (assisted by fellow substitute Mingazow) sealing another three points and a clean sheet.

Line up

Dantas remained banned, with Law and Slattery still injured. Mingazow returned to the bench. Juninho and Jordan Lam came in for Jay Haddow and Yumemi Kanda, as Kitchee switched back to the back three that had served them well in recent games.

Bear; Riera, Jason, Beattie; Juninho (Mingazow 74), Lok (c) (Haddow 74), Illarra, Jordan (Anson 65); Kendy, Leandro (Kanda 65); Adrian (Lung)

Unused subs: Wang, Adrian Chan, Ari Lam

Match events

Adrian hit the bar early from a tight angle, before Kitchee forced Rangers into a wayward shot after a long ball forward. After very few clear cut chances, good recycling of possession from Juninho and Kendy set up Illarra for his first Kitchee goal with a sweetly struck first time strike. Kitchee had had a few half chances in the first half but nothing that properly tested the goalkeeper.

Early in the second half Tan Chun-lok broke free and tested the keeper from a tight angle early in the first half, while the Kitchee defence dealt with another long ball to Ibrahim who posed a few questions. As the game meandered towards a close Kendy played in sub Anson Wong down the left who crossed for Adrian to double the lead. Mingazow then teed up Anson who scored to seal a memorable debut and a 3-0 win. Beattie tested the keeper from range in stoppage time as Kitchee extended the winning run to 6 in a row, and 9 unbeaten in all comps, as Kitchee's away games of the regular season are complete, with Kitchee only dropping two points.

Fan feedback

Calderon's tactical flexibility can be shown in the way the team has seamlessly shifted between a back 3 and a back 4 between games but also from game to game. The three man defence allows Jason Kam to break out of defence but also allows Tan Chun-lok to break forward and support the attack. Sometimes in dull games you need a moment of magic, which Illarramendi provided and was awarded the man of the match award, although in our opinion Adrian Revilla and Tan Chun-lok were also impressive. There is no denying that it was a fairly dull game of football, but Kitchee did not really need to move up a gear, and the late goals gave Kitchee a clinical edge they have maybe been lacking in recent games. Anson Wong, Mingazow and Jay Haddow all impressed off the bench, providing Calderon with something of a selection dilemma for the coming weeks. The team has shown an ability to adapt to player absences and the last two games have emphasised this with Dantas being suspended, showing a strength in depth and trust in the fringe players not seen by Kitchee managers in recent years. Fans still discuss whether another signing or two could be required; either another centre back as cover or another player to take the workload off Adrian, who has played over ninety percent of Kitchee's minutes.

What's next

Seven 'home' games in a row at Tseung Kwan O, starting next Sunday. 3pm, 25th January against Tai Po. The league then splits after these games, and Kitchee will hope to keep momentum and put themselves in a strong position to claim a first league title in three years. Kitchee currently lead Lee Man by nine points (albeit they have two games in hand and still have to play Kitchee again) and lead Tai Po by ten points.

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Match highlights

Rusty performance but Kitchee emerge victorious from HKFC clash- HKFC 1 Kitchee 2

Written by Adam O'Domhnaill

Kitchee started 2026 with their fifth league win in a row. First half goals from Adrian and Kanda gave Kitchee a 2-0 lead, before Dietrich pulled one back from a corner in stoppage time. The second half passed without much incident, and neither side really looked like scoring again, with the result sends Kitchee seven points clear at the top. 

Law fractured his collarbone in U22 game, while Dantas suspended retroactively after an incident in the Southern away game- a quirk of the shambolic organisation of the HKFA disciplinary committee that only meets once a month. Mingazow and Slattery were also injured. Kitchee made three changes, with Haddow, Beattie and Kendy coming in for Ari, Dantas and Juninho as Kitchee changed to a back four. Versatile new signing Anson Wong Ho-chun was an unused substitute after signing from Qingdao Hainiu; after starting his youth career at Kitchee he eventually made his first team debut for South China, before moving on to Lee Man, Eastern and then Qingdao. Over Christmas Kim Shin-wook's contract was officially terminated, and so with two foreign players unavailable there was a place on the bench for Enikar.

Bear; Haddow, Riera, Jason, Beattie (Jordan 82); Lok (c), Illarra; Leandro, Kendy (Lung 90), Kanda (Juninho 60); Adrian.

Unused subs: Wang, Anson, Enikar, A Chan, Li Siu-hin, Ari

Match events

Kitchee scored after five minutes. Callum Beattie, making his return to HKFC, played a long ball over the top, and Adrian was able to capitalise on Aleks committing to the ball to stroke the ball into an empty net. Kitchee had chances to increase their lead, with Adrian, Leandro and Kanda all going close. As the first half drew to a close both teams scored; Kanda extended Kitchee's lead after being set up by Leandro, before Dietrich pulled one back for HKFC from a corner in stoppage time. The second half was pretty dull, with both teams looking like teams who had not played in a month. There were no real chances of note, and Anson Wong remained an unused substitute. Another game, another win and the season rolls on. It may not always be pretty, but the current performances are delivering results.

Fans feedback

Lethargic performance, indicative of a team without a game for a month and not much training with a full squad. HKFC did not offer much, but Kitchee were a bit slow in transitions. The switch to a back four worked although against such poor opposition that is not that impressive. The change in formation did result in Kitchee playing Leandro on the right wing, and he took too long on the ball at times. Yumemi Kanda rightfully won man of the match but is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Kitchee, and has come off between the 60th and 70th minutes in each of his last five games. Jason Kam did well bringing the ball out of defence on multiple occasions, but unfortunately there was no one there to take advantage. Kitchee struggled to get any crosses into the box, a consequence of playing two nominally central players out wide and having two more defensive fullbacks. Going back to the end of last season Kitchee are unbeaten in eleven league games, although we will have to do something spectacular to overhaul the thirty-one unbeaten league games between early 2017 and late 2018. If Kitchee avoid defeat next week, they will go a full calendar year unbeaten away from home, with Kitchee's next 'away' game not until the split into a top and bottom group. However, these unbeaten away games does include Eastern (twice) and Lee Man (once) where arguably Kitchee's fanbase was much more prominent.

Other news

Hong Kong's first games under Roberto Losada ended in a penalty shootout defeat after a 3-3 draw onaggregate against Guangdong. Tan Chun-lok and Bear started both games, with Lok captaining and lasting 90 minutes in both, and Bear only being subbed off for the penalty shootout. Juninho and Haddow played over half an hour off the bench in the first game, with Jason Kam and Jordan Lam unused subs. The second game saw Juninho, Haddow and Jordan Lam all start before being withdrawn in the second half, and late callup Cheng Chin-lung remaining unused on the bench.

What's next

We travel to Tsing Yi for our final away game of the regular season as we take on Rangers (17th January, 6pm) before seven games at our temporary home ground in Tseung Kwan O follow. Hope to see you there. The transfer window is open and Kitchee have already seen Tuscany move to Spain and Anson Wong come in, and we'll keep you updated with any news as it happens.

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Match highlights