Brandon Barker the hero as Manchester City pip Kitchee in Soccer Sevens Cup final
Aston Villa win the shield by beating Rangers, while Aegon Ajax All Stars regain the Masters title
England U-18 winger Brandon Barker scored two sensational second-half goals as Manchester City came from behind to beat Hong Kong champions Kitchee 2-1 in a dramatic Cup final at the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens.
City had also come from behind to beat Sunderland 3-2 after extra-time of a thrilling semi-final, while Kitchee had also beaten Newcastle United 3-2 with a golden goal in the first semi at Hong Kong Football Club.
Jason Wilcox, concluding his first season as Manchester City U-18 coach, was delighted with his young players, who were devastated to lose in the English U18 Premier League playoff final just days before flying to Hong Kong.
I thought it was fantastic and a fitting end to our season
"I thought it was fantastic and a fitting end to our season," said the 42-year-old former England winger, who won the Premier League with Blackburn Rovers.
“It’s not the first time we¹ve come back from being down, so I’m really pleased. They showed great character. I’m delighted for them because we lost the U18s Premier League final just before we came, so they’ve recovered well.
“I said before we came, we’re a very exciting team and even the defenders are good attackers. I always knew we’d have goals in us, so if we could defend properly, work hard and understand the format, then I knew we’d go far.”
Jordi then hit the post in the third minute of the second half before Barker equalised two minutes later, firing into the roof of the net from outside the area.