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