bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

sponsorType

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

Chan Kin-wa

Kitchee will continue their treble quest against Eastern in Monday’s FA Cup semi-final at Mong Kok Stadium.
After winning the Senior Shield in January, Kitchee are still in contention for more honours as they hunt a second treble in the space of seven years.
The domestic powerhouses defeated the same opponents on penalties in the Shield final, lifting their first silverware of the season with the scores tied at 1-1 after 120 minutes.
But head coach Chu Chi-kwong remained cautious, despite also prevailing over Eastern twice in the league.

“We are now approaching the end of the season and the players are getting exhausted, mentally and physically,” Chu said. “They must show strong determination to hang in there, especially in a one-off cup tie.
“Fortunately, we have a deep squad that should be able to handle the situation. Of course we are aiming at a strong finish to the season with both the league and cup titles the target. The boys also understand the importance of the result and will definitely go all out for it.”
The coach hinted forward Dejan Damjanovic might have a chance to start after the prolific striker missed the three last games because of a “disciplinary” issue with the club.
The former Montenegro international, who has netted 25 goals so far this season, was fined by the club for returning home during Christmas without approval. But it is believed Damjanovic is trying to protest the decision legally and has been absent from competition since their league match against Tai Po in mid March.

“He still has some issues to sort out with the club but if he can prove he is fit enough for the match, I will consider him,” said Chu.
Another foreign player, Ruslan Mingazov. will definitely be eager to shine as the favourite for the Player of the Year award. Mingazov has netted 23 goals this season, including 17 in the league, the same number as Damjanovic, with both contending for the golden boot.
The winners of Monday’s tie will face BC Rangers, with the final slated for May 13. Before that, Kitchee will also meet rivals Lee Man on May 7 in the last round of the league, where they need only a draw to win the championship for the third time in a row, and their sixth Premier League title since its inauguration in the 2014-15 season.
“We will focus on the cup tie first before the Lee Man clash,” said Chu. “The players are used to this hectic schedule as we played three games a week in the Champions League.”


Hong Kong footballers given go-ahead for Asian Games in Japan

Lee Man boss Chu sacked hours after shock FA Cup defeat to Rangers, Reed takes charge

Hong Kong women’s football team happy to be home after anxious wait in Dubai

Tai Po backers deny they’ll pull plug on team, say Hong Kong champions have full support

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Kitchee continue treble quest with Eastern FA Cup semi-final battle

Kitchee’s Mikael Burkatt and Poon Pui-hin. Photo: HKFA

Kitchee’s Dejan Damjanovic tries to break through Rangers’ defence during their 2021 FA Cup tie. Photo: K. Y. Cheng

Coach Alex Chu Chi-kwong (left) with Law Tsz-chun. Photo: Kitchee

Late penalty gives BC Rangers 2-1 win over Kwoon Chung Southern in FA Cup semi-finals

BC Rangers players celebrate after Walter Belitardo Jnr’s late penalty seals victory. Photos: BC Rangers

Lam Ka-wai (left) of Rangers beats Ho Chun-ting to the ball. Photo: BC Rangers

Walter Belitardo Jnr is brought down by Tomas Maronesi for a penalty. Photo: BC Rangers

Jean Kilama (left) and Southern’s Kessi dos Santos battle for the ball. Photo: HKFA 

Hong Kong Premier League: Rangers strike blow in race for third, but Southern still hold narrow lead

BC Rangers players applaud their fans after beating Southern 1-0 at Hammer Hill Road Sports Ground. Photo: Handout

Southern’s Kota Kawase (left) tackles Rangers’ Ibrahim Yakabu. Photo: Handout

Football: BC Rangers players given HK$1 million incentive with unlikely cup double on the cards

Promising BC Rangers youngster Jesse Yu in action against Kitchee’s Igor Sartoria. Photo: Handout 

Yumemi Kanda celebrates after scoring for BC Rangers against Resources Capital in the Hong Kong Premier League. Photo: Handout

BC Rangers fans cheer their side on during a Hong Kong Premier League clash against Lee Man at Hammer Hill Road Sports Ground. Photo: Edmond So

Lee Man’s Givanilton Martins Ferreira (left) in action with BC Rangers’ Ryota Hayashi. Photo: Edmond So

Plan to introduce VAR to Hong Kong football for FA Cup final in doubt, as referees’ chief says they need more time

A giant screens displays a message after the referee uses VAR to determine a for a penalty during the Women’s World Cup in France in 2019. Photo: AFP

Referee Matt Conger from New Zealand uses VAR during a Group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Photo: 2018

Sport

Football

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Premier League leaders beat same opponents in the Senior Shield final in January
Prolific striker Dejan Damjanovic may start in crucial tie after missing last three games amid legal issue with club


Prolific striker Dejan Damjanovic may start crucial tie for Hong Kong Premier League giants after missing last three games amid legal issue with club.


Hong Kong Premier League

Montenegro