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South China beat Yokohama FC 2-1 to lead First Division table

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Striker Mamadou Barry converted a spot kick for South China on Sunday. Photo: Dickson Lee

Ten-man South China needed a stoppage-time penalty to beat Yokohama FC 2-1 on Sunday and move to the top of the RedMR First Division table.

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The defending champions had to thank skipper Kwok Kin-pong.

He gave them the lead in the second half with a powerful low drive. But after Chak Ting-fung conceded an own goal with only six minutes left, the left back came to the rescue by earning a penalty in time added on.

Striker Mamadou Barry converted the spot kick and the Caroliners now lead the table with 14 points, one ahead of Sun Pegasus and Kitchee in second place.

Yokohama defender Li Shu-yeung had been shown a straight red card for bringing down Kwok in a scoring opportunity inside the box. Earlier, South China midfielder Luk Chi-ho received his second yellow card to leave the Caroliners struggling.

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"We were one man down for more than half an hour which put us in a very difficult position," Kwok said. "We still managed to score despite the disadvantage, but after we conceded the own goal we had to throw everything into attack because we could not afford a draw. We are very happy to be the winning side under such difficult conditions."

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