"Dragon Junior" Eyes Another Memorable Chapter as Kitchee Returns to Asian Stage
On.cc · 1 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Kitchee's veteran midfielder Cheng Chin Lung is poised for a return to Asian competition as the club faces Kuching City away in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage on Thursday, October 15 . The 28-year-old, who famously scored the decisive goal against Cerezo Osaka in the 2018 AFC Champions League group stage, is determined to add another unforgettable chapter to his career with the Bluebirds . After battling through a serious knee injury and years of limited playing time, Cheng has found renewed prominence under current head coach John Rodriguez Cadir, contributing to 16 appearances in 22 league matches last season as Kitchee reclaimed the domestic championship . Now back on the continental stage, Cheng aims to prove that his journey of perseverance has prepared him for this moment, emphasizing team contribution over individual glory .
Key Points
- Cheng Chin Lung scored the winning goal for Kitchee against Cerezo Osaka in the 2018 AFC Champions League group stage, creating what fans call "golden memories" in Asian competition .
- In June 2016, Cheng suffered a torn ACL injury during the Youth FA Cup that required nine months of recovery, forcing him to miss subsequent U23 national team training sessions .
- After recovering, Cheng returned in the 2017-18 season from a loan spell at Dreams FC and earned the Hong Kong FA Best Young Player award that same year .
- Under coach John Rodriguez Cadir's leadership last season, Cheng featured in 16 of 22 league matches, helping Kitchee win the league championship after a two-year drought .
- Kitchee will travel to face Kuching City on Thursday, October 15, in their opening AFC Champions League 2 group stage match .
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong football, Kitchee's participation in the AFC Champions League 2 represents a rare opportunity to showcase local talent against regional competition . Cheng's journey from devastating injury to continental success embodies the perseverance that can inspire the next generation of Hong Kong players striving to make their mark in Asian football .
For Hong Kong football, Kitchee's participation in the AFC Champions League 2 represents a rare opportunity to showcase local talent against regional competition . Cheng's journey from devastating injury to continental success embodies the perseverance that can inspire the next generation of Hong Kong players striving to make their mark in Asian football .