Kitchee are back in the driver’s seat for the Hong Kong Premier League title after a crucial 3-2 victory over 10-man R&F at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground on Thursday. Second-half substitute Giovane da Silva came close to becoming R&F’s hero after pulling back two goals but Wellingsson de Souza’s third goal for Kitchee with 10 minutes left was the difference between the two teams. With two games left in a season that restarted last month after the Covid-19 shutdown, Kitchee can clinch their third title in four years by beating bottom sides Southern and Happy Valley. Manager Chu Chi-kwong, though, refused to look too far ahead. “This is not the right time to say anything,” he said after the match. “In football, anything can happen just like this match, in which we have learned a big lesson. We were complacent after going into a comfortable two-goal lead in the first half. I would need to talk to the boys so that they won’t make the same mistake again.” Hong Kong Premier League restarts with Eastern beating Kitchee R&F, who lost in the FA Cup final to Eastern earlier this week – which cost them a chance to appear in next year’s AFC Cup competition – may now end the season empty-handed after splashing out money. Manager Yeung Ching-kwong was happy with the players’ hard work and determination although the final outcome was disappointing. “It was a difficult match especially because we lost one man early in the game and went down by two goals before the interval,” he said. “But the boys never gave up and came back strongly in the second half and were at one time back on equal terms. It was not easy for them, the demanding fixture, the refereeing, all contributing to the disappointing result. “We are in a passive role for the rest of the campaign but we will give our best to win the two last matches to finish in the highest position possible.” Eastern and Kitchee to kick off season reopening at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground Centre half Sean Tse Ka-keung was sent off on 24 minutes when he handled the ball inside the box to stop a goal from Kitchee striker Gavilan Manu. Manu converted the penalty for a 2-0 lead after Law Tze-chun drew first blood for Kitchee on 17 minutes, picking up an easy goalmouth chance after the R&F goalkeeper failed to hold on to a shot from Wellingsson. Kitchee lost 2-1 to Eastern in the first game after the season restarted, putting them in a difficult position for the championship but captain Huang Yang paid tribute to his fellow players. “At Kitchee we never give up easily even if we are in an unfavourable position,” the midfielder said. “It was a great result for the boys as we must win to keep our title hopes alive. The mission is not finished yet and we will have to continue the good work with two more games to go.” Kitchee lead the table with 16 points, one ahead of Eastern while R&F are two points further behind. All three teams have two matches left.