Eastern earn historic first AFC Champions League point for Hong Kong – but could it have been better?
Chan Yuen-ting’s side settle for 1-1 draw with Kawasaki Frontale despite taking an early lead and having a man advantage for most of the match
Hong Kong champions Eastern created history of sorts in the AFC Champions League, earning the city its first point in the competition, but it could have – perhaps should have – been all three in a 1-1 draw with Kawasaki Frontale.
Chan Yuen-ting’s side were gifted the perfect start with a penalty in the 15th minute that Manuel Bleda stuck away, with defender Tatsuki Nara sent off for the visitors.
But despite their man advantage, Eastern couldn’t dictate play against the J League side, the gap in class still evident, and Kawasaki hit back not long into the second half, Kou Itakura stabbing home from close range after goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai rushed precipitously off his line.
Both teams had plenty of chances to win in an action-packed second half in front of 5,787 rowdy fans at Mong Kok Stadium, with Eastern’s best efforts falling to their central defenders, Roberto Affonso heading against the bar and Josh Mitchell seeing his headed effort cleared off the line.
But coach Chan declared herself more than happy with the point, especially after a 7-0 pummelling at the hands of Guangzhou Evergrande on their debut in the competition last week.
