Kitchee join South China in AFC Cup quarter-finals
It is the first time two teams from Hong Kong have reached the last eight of the regional competition
Kitchee joined South China in qualifying for the AFC Cup quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over Persib Bandung in Indonesia on Wednesday.
Two goals in the first half through marksman Juan Belencoso and midfield powerhouse Lam Ka-wai settled the round-of-16, one-off match at Jalak Harupat Soreang Stadium.
I am very happy to walk away with such an important win in my last match with Kitchee
Belencoso, who recently extended his contract with Kitchee for another two seasons, drew first blood with a powerful header after an excellent cross from left back Cheung Kin-fung on 30 minutes. The Spaniard was later named man of the match.
The second goal came from a set piece, with Lam pouncing to drill in low from 20 yards after Xu Deshuai's direct free kick hit the wall just before half-time.
Coach Jose Molina had mixed feelings after his last game in charge of Kitchee.
"I feel sorry to leave such a good team," said the former Spain international. "We pressed hard in the first half and our effort paid off.