League champions Kitchee capped a 'perfect season' last night when they stunned Scottish giants Celtic 1-0 to win the HKFC Citibank International Soccer Sevens at Hong Kong Football Club.
Having sealed their first league title since 1964 a little over a week ago, Kitchee became the first local team to win the prestigious event since Instant Dict in 2000.
'This is the icing on the cake,' said coach Josep Gombau as his players celebrated behind him. 'We won the Hong Kong league title and now the Hong Kong Sevens. It's a season the fans will remember forever.
'We are very happy. We enjoyed the tournament and played very well.'
Spanish striker Roberto Losada was the hero in the final, striking from close range in the second half to put Kitchee in control.
Celtic's young team, who won a league and cup double at under-19 level in Scotland this season, were fortunate to reach the final. They beat Aston Villa on penalties after a 0-0 draw and Ajax 1-0 with an extra-time golden goal, having been second best in both games, and couldn't break down the well-organised seasoned professionals from Kitchee.