Hong Kong Premier League drama as Lee Man cling to summit in crazy climax
Goal after 11 minutes of stoppage time spares blushes of keeper and makes crucial difference at top of league standings
Chu Siu-kei said his Lee Man team “used all our luck” following a chaotic end to their 2-1 victory over Kowloon City in the Hong Kong Premier League on Sunday.
The drama began when Ryan Tafazolli, the Lee Man defender, was sent off following a second bookable offence in the 89th minute.
From coasting at 1-0 up thanks to Henri Anier’s first-half strike at Sham Shui Po Sports Ground, the league leaders suddenly looked vulnerable to a barrage of Kowloon attacks.
But the equaliser arrived in semi-farcical fashion after nine minutes of stoppage time when goalkeeper Chan Ka-ho failed to spot the lurking Kayron Ramos as he rolled the ball in front of him. A gleeful Ramos pinched possession to score and spark wild celebrations.
Interim head coach Chu later said he had “given up”, and was “just thinking about how to talk to Ka-ho”. His despair lasted a mere two minutes. Lee Man poured forward and, with the last play of the match, Kim Min-kyu’s right-wing cross invited Samuel Rosa to crash home a header, prompting more jubilant scenes.
The Brazilian’s goal sent Lee Man back above Tai Po at the top of the table with two games remaining.