Kitchee secured a commanding 5-2 victory over HKFC at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground on Sunday (March 1), overcoming an early setback with clinical efficiency.
After conceding a surprise long-range opener in the 10th minute, Kitchee responded just two minutes later as debutant Martín Merquelanz set up Wong Ho Chun Anson for a rapid equalizer. The momentum stayed with the home side as Leandro Martínez finished a brilliant team move in the 35th minute, followed by a crucial penalty save from Pong Cheuk Hei that protected the lead. Martínez then completed his brace from a Kendy free kick just before the halftime whistle.
Kitchee further extended their dominance in the second half through an own goal and an Adrián Revilla tap-in. While HKFC managed to pull one back in the 78th minute, Kitchee remained firmly in control to seal the convincing 5-2 win.