Rupee’s Birthday Bash: Marcos Bakor and Oriental Bring the Heat in AFC Champions League Thriller
- Hong Kong Oriental secured a 2-1 victory over FC Kaya in Group E of the AFC Champions League Second Division on Friday.
- The weather cleared up on Friday, allowing the match to proceed.
- Hong Kong women's soccer player Xian Zhongyi, who is returning from the Philippines, was also present at the match.
Hong Kong Oriental Secures 2-1 Victory Over FC Kaya in AFC Champions League
Hong Kong Oriental secured a 2-1 victory over FC Kaya in Group E of the AFC Champions League Second Division on Friday. The match was originally scheduled for Thursday night but was postponed due to heavy rain and strong winds.
The weather cleared up on Friday, allowing the match to proceed. Hong Kong Oriental opened the scoring with a beautiful shot from Margos’ foot in the first half. However, Huang Zihao gave away a penalty during half-time stoppage time, and the opponent equalized from 12 yards.
Hong Kong women’s soccer player Xian Zhongyi, who is returning from the Philippines, was also present at the match.
The match was played on a fake grass pitch at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, which was heavily criticized by Eastern coach Rubido in the pre-match press conference. The heavy rains made the venue even worse.
In the last round of the group game, Hong Kong Oriental failed to hold on to their lead and lost to Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-3. Striker Badoum continued to miss the game through injury, and Ma Xiwei and Ba Mae Cole took on the offensive responsibilities.
Margos scored the opening goal for Hong Kong Oriental.
FC Kaya, who were last in Group E of the AFC Champions League prior to the game, had 1 win and 1 draw in the Philippine League, temporarily placing 5th. However, the home team’s recent performance has been mediocre, with just 1 win, 1 draw, and 4 losses in their last 6 games.
Dongfang Secures Victory with Bacol’s Winning Goal
Match Summary
After the heavy rain last night, the weather has changed 180 degrees today, and the quality of the competition venue is not too bad. Dongfang had a half-shot attempt by Margos in the 7th minute, but Yu Zaiyan’s long shot was received 3 minutes later by the opponent’s goalkeeper Di Yitu.
Bakor, who used his speed to score against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the last game, had a similar chance again. However, in response to a long pass from Markos, he failed to get the ball away and was tackled by Diyitu outside of the penalty court.
Turning Point of the Match
Although Dongfang wings Ma Xiwei and Wu Yuxi generally performed in the early stages, and Kaya shot occasionally, Dongfang always had better control. Hall’s cross was made at the moment, and the opponent was not far from the siege Margos controlled half of the nest and shot the net into the net. 1:0.
When it was believed that Dongfang could take the lead at half-time, Huang Zihao Vince pulled down and was penalized for 12 yards while defending a corner kick in stoppage time, Kaya was chased down by Japanese aid Yamazaki Umihide.
Orient Secures First Win in AFC Champions League Group Stage
Match Highlights
After Dongfang switched sides, Naia replaced the medium Wu Yuxi, and changed to form a three-core. The opponent also put away the goal hero Yamazaki Kaihide. Dongfang were put under pressure after the transfer, and Naya, who was lucky enough to be substituted, played a counter attack.
In the 62nd minute, one of Norway’s stalwarts led the ball and hit a straight line, but Ma Xiwei faced the goalkeeper and was blocked. Orient then replaced Alexis Zu and Felipe Sa, who were playing in the AFC Champions League for the first time, but almost lost again 1 minute later.
Match Result
Bacol, who found it very difficult on the front line, found an opportunity in the 79th minute. He collaborated with Felipe Sa near the center line and then pushed forward. Orient held on for the rest of the game, and the physical fitness of Kaya’s players also declined significantly.
Result: East host 2:1 The victory resulted in the first win in the group stage this year, setting the stage for today. It was coach Ludu’s birthday who gave him a birthday present.
AFC Champions League 2: Direct Attack
Marcos Bakor and Oriental Shine in AFC Champions League 2
Marcos Bakor and Oriental visited Kaja as guests to celebrate Rupee’s birthday in style.
Match Highlights
Marcos Bakor and Oriental put on a show, with each player scoring stunning goals.
Rupee’s Birthday Celebration
Rupee’s birthday was celebrated in style, with the team coming together to mark the special occasion.
Text: Vincent, Mak King-chi