Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/1781319/not-much-spark-south-chinas-3-0-win-over-global-afc-cup Hong Kong
Not much spark in South China's 3-0 win over Global in AFC Cup
Caroliners go through the motions to remain unbeaten after five matches in their group
South China's Bojan Malisic in action against Global FC in their AFC Cup group match. Photo: Xinhua
Stands were partitioned to make room for a separate enclosure for Filipino fans but a low-key encounter ending in a tame 3-0 victory for South China over Global FC of the Philippines in the AFC Cup hardly ignited passions at Mong Kok Stadium on Wednesday night.
The last time a team from the Philippines visited Hong Kong - a friendly between the two national teams in June 2013 - it ended with the Hong Kong Football Association forced to pay a fine of more than HK$250,000 to Fifa, whichposed a penalty for racial abuse.
A group of Filipino fans, including women and children, were reportedly verbally abused by home fans on that occasion.
After complaints by the Philippines Football Association and the Philippine consulate in Hong Kong, the HKFA had to file a report on the incident and that resulted in a financial slap on the wrist.
The HKFA learned its lesson well. On Wednesday, one section at Mong Kok was kept exclusive for "away" fans, but only 13 turned up.
The rest of the 1,695-strong crowd was there to support the Caroliners, but they were more frustrated with their own team than with the visitors.
It was not surprising considering the quality dished out - at times mediocre to say the least. If not for a well-taken goal by Michael Cheng Lai-hin, who seconds after coming on as a substitute in the 39th minute connected sweetly with a cross from forward Daniel McBreen, the home team looked off-colour in the first half.
South China midfielder Che Runqiu slides in for the ball ahead of Global's Mark Hartmann. Photo: David Wong
Missing injured strikers Chan Siu-ki and Mahama Awal, the Caroliners seemed unable to get out of second gear in attack for most of the game.
But man of the match Bojan Malisic refused to be downbeat. "We are unbeaten after five matches in the AFC Cup and that is a very good performance. Some people might say our opponents are easy, but there are no easy games in this competition."
In the first encounter between the two sides, South China romped to a 6-1 victory with strikers McBreen and Awal getting a brace each. The latter has been on the injury list for a while and his spark is sorely lacking.
Two goals in the second half gave the scoreline a respectability it did not deserve - a header from a corner by defender Malisic midway through the second half and a last-gasp strike from McBreen in time added on.
In the end, the result was academic as South China had already booked their berth in the last 16. They are unbeaten and at the top of group G with a maximum 15 points, ensuring a home game in the knockout stage.
While bemoaning a lack of firepower on attack, visiting coach Dan Padernal paid tribute to South China's defence.
"Their central defenders were very good and it was hard to break down their defence. We had a few chances, but our finishing was not that great," Padernal said.