Kitchee Edge Phnom Penh Crown 2-1 in Stoppage Time for First Group Win
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Kitchee claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over Phnom Penh Crown at Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday in AFC Champions League 2 Group H action, marking their first win of the campaign. Substitute striker Candé headed home in stoppage time to clinch all three points after the hosts had squandered their numerical advantage and allowed the ten-man visitors to equalize late on. The result leaves Kitchee with five points from four matches, keeping their qualification hopes alive, while Crown suffer their first defeat of the tournament despite their gallant performance with ten men.
Key Points
- Russian midfielder Ruslan Mingazov opened the scoring after just 70 seconds, finishing from Everton Felipe's cross, but was forced off with an apparent abdominal strain at the 25-minute mark
- Phnom Penh Crown midfielder Koeut Pich was sent off with a straight red card for striking Kitchee's Momota Shunji during a challenge just before halftime
- Dutch defender Guytho Mijland equalized for the visitors in the 86th minute, curling in a short-corner delivery that flew untouched into the far corner
- Kitchee coach Carriçal expressed dissatisfaction with his side's second-half display despite the extra man, noting tactical difficulties as the match progressed
- Phnom Penh Crown manager Oleg Starytskyi strongly disputed the red card decision, stating it was "absolutely not a red card" and questioning why a straight dismissal was given when no fighting or punching occurred
Why It Matters
This victory provides a crucial lifeline for Kitchee's qualification ambitions after a disappointing start to their continental campaign. The dramatic nature of the win, coming via a stoppage-time header, may prove to be a turning point for a squad that has struggled with injuries throughout the season, while also boosting confidence heading into the remaining group matches .
This victory provides a crucial lifeline for Kitchee's qualification ambitions after a disappointing start to their continental campaign. The dramatic nature of the win, coming via a stoppage-time header, may prove to be a turning point for a squad that has struggled with injuries throughout the season, while also boosting confidence heading into the remaining group matches .