Kendi Header Sends Kitchee to First AFC Champions League 2 Win
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Kitchee claimed their first win of the AFC Champions League 2 group stage with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Phnom Penh Crown at Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday. Kendi's stoppage-time header completed the fightback after the hosts had twice been pegged back, including a red card for Phnom Penh Crown player Bij in the first half. The win lifts Kitchee to third place in Group H with three matches remaining, while the Cambodian champions slip to three wins from four games.
Key Points
- Mingazov opened the scoring for Kitchee after just 2 minutes, converting Edenilton's cross at the near post
- Bij was sent off in first-half stoppage time for elbowing Yudai Kanda, reducing Phnom Penh Crown to 10 men
- Milat equalized for the visitors in the 85th minute before Kendi's dramatic winner in injury time
- New signing Liao Lun made his second debut for Kitchee as a 26th-minute substitute after Mingazov was injured
- Phnom Penh Crown's top scorer Moses Dyer missed the match due to his wife's childbirth, with the coach dedicating a win as a gift for him
Why It Matters
The victory provides crucial relief for Kitchee after a difficult start to their group campaign, having previously managed only two draws and a loss in their opening three matches . With qualification still mathematically possible despite Thursday's win, Kitchee's remaining fixtures against FC Gangwon and the reverse fixture against Phnom Penh Crown will determine whether Hong Kong's continental representation can progress beyond the group stage. The performance also showcased the immediate impact of mid-season signing Liao Lun, whose quick integration despite limited training time offers a template for future recruitment .
The victory provides crucial relief for Kitchee after a difficult start to their group campaign, having previously managed only two draws and a loss in their opening three matches . With qualification still mathematically possible despite Thursday's win, Kitchee's remaining fixtures against FC Gangwon and the reverse fixture against Phnom Penh Crown will determine whether Hong Kong's continental representation can progress beyond the group stage. The performance also showcased the immediate impact of mid-season signing Liao Lun, whose quick integration despite limited training time offers a template for future recruitment .