HOLDERS South China scrambled into their 13th Viceroy Cup final in its 25-year history by beating Sing Tao 1-0 in a controversial semi-final at the Hong Kong Stadium last night.
Sing Tao, reduced to 10 men in the 35th minute when skipper John Moore was dismissed for his second bookable offence, hung on gamely until the 75th minute.
Only then did South China find a way through a solid defence with their extra man. When substitute Wan Ho-yin crossed from the right, Anto Grabo climbed above the defence but saw his header strike the crossbar and bounce back into the goalmouth.
Grabo's strike-partner, Alen Bajkusa, reacted first to steer his header into the corner for his third goal in the Caroliners' colours but easily his most important.
Although South China had central defender Marcel Liesdek sent off in injury time, victory was in sight by then and they now meet favourites Instant-Dict in Sunday's final at the Hong Kong Stadium.
The turning point of the match came in the 35th minute with the dismissal of Moore, who lost his temper and kicked out at South China skipper Ku Kam-fai in a midfield skirmish. Having already been booked for a foul on Liesdek, Moore was on his way to the changing rooms and his side were without a recognised striker.