Sapling Cup Final defeat but signs of improvement against Southern

Sapling Cup Final Rangers 1-0 Kitchee

Credits to Nathan

The coaching staff made nine changes for the Sapling Cup final, with three enforced due to the suspensions of Mikael, Paulo and Law.  Tuscany continued in goal for this competition, with Shinichi Chan and Jason Yuen chosen as the other U22 players.

Tuscany; Kurban (Helio 74), Roberto (c), Ramic (Russell 85), Shinichi; Scott (Temirov 58), Lok, Yuen; Igor, Poon (Juninho 58), Fernando (Jantscher 58)

Credits to Edmund

Many loyal Kitchee fans opted to boycott owing to existing dislike of the tournament (as mentioned in previous articles, the lack of youth opportunities and the excessive number of dead rubbers two of the contributing factors), and others were influenced by the recent poor form. A large crowd of almost four thousand were provided with a scrappy game, where Ibrahim's first half header gave Rangers the win. Despite the many changes, the recent issues with Kitchee in defence and attack were apparent. Roberto and Ramic started their first game as a centre back duo, and Poon made only his second start as the main centre forward. There were bright displays from youngsters Jason Yuen and Tuscany Shek, but again very few Kitchee players (only Helio and Shinichi) acknowledged the fans who did turn up. Kitchee's turmoil and approach to the Sapling Cup can be best summed up by bringing on veteran centre backs Helio and Russell in the closing stages, rather than any of the younger attackers. This was Kitchee's first time losing three domestic games in a row since the 2019/20 season (which did have a six month enforced COVID break). Looking past this, it is over fifteen years since losing three domestic games back to back, a shambolic spell that they need to overturn quickly, as the end of the season draws near and mass departures commence in the summer.

Southern 0-3 Kitchee

Kitchee went into the game with Tan Chun-lok suspended, in addition to Mikael. Kitchee made six changes from Wednesday, as the season drew to a close with a squad rebuild expected in the summer.

Wang; Kurban (Temirov 53), Roberto (c), Russell, Shinichi (Buddle 89); Scott, Cleiton (Huang 75), Jantscher (Igor 75); Poon (Slattery 89), Juninho, Fernando 

Match highlights 

Kitchee started well, and after a one-two between Shinichi and Jantscher, the young full backs cross was tapped in at the far post by Fernando. A nice finish for Southern striker Stefan was rightly ruled out for offside, before a last-gasp block by Charlie Scott again prevented the naturalised striker from equalising. Southern appealed for a penalty when Stefan's cross hit Russell, before Jantscher escaped a second yellow for a foul on Sasaki, a decision that did not go down with Southern players, coaches and fans. Kitchee led 1-0 at half time, but Southern had looked good at times.

Credits to Edmund

Kitchee started the second half brighter, but could not extend their lead. Juninho went close, but good work from Poon kept the ball in play, and a couple of nice touches from Fernando and Cleiton worked the ball back to Charlie Scott whose long range effort nestled in the bottom corner. Very soon afterwards, Southern failed to properly clear the ball, and Scott played in Jantscher, whose cross was headed in from close range by Cleiton. After a double sub, Fernando thought he'd scored directly from a corner, but it was ruled out for a foul in the box. Juninho's curling effort hit the post as Kitchee pushed for a fourth, with Temirov also going close. Late on, Seb Buddle (2nd appearance of the season) and Matthew Slattery (league debut) were brought on, as Kitchee saw out the win.

Fans feedback

Much better, although Southern gave up in the second half, having very few chances of note, and were a much easier test than Eastern. It was a much improved performance, and some would say Kitchee's best performance for a while. Given Helio was one yellow away from a suspension, it made sense not to bring him on with Kurban's injury, and Shinichi adapted well to playing right back, and ended up winning man of the match. There were opportunities for young players to come on, with a league debut for Slattery, possibly a look to the future. Here at Angry Boundary Street we have been critical of players in recent weeks, but there seemed to be a better attitude and level of performance. Fernando scored his first goal since before Christmas, and Charlie Scott's was his first since the Senior Shield final. The attack felt more functional than in recent weeks, playing to players' strengths, although a poor Southern defence certainly helped.

What's next

Credits to Erikson

One game left. Lee Man at home on the final day (3pm, Mong Kok, 26th May), against the newly crowned champions. With a rebuild imminent, both on and off the pitch, it will be the final time some of these players take to the field in a Kitchee shirt. Kitchee will hope for a positive end to the season after recent turmoil, knowing a draw guarantees third place and a win would secure second.

Nathan takes photos at HKPL games, check out more of his work here

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Written by Adam O'Domhnaill