Kitchee's bid for a fourth straight League Cup title fell short on Tuesday (April 7) with a 1-2 loss to Lee Man.
While Kitchee controlled most of the possession, it was difficult to break through Lee Man’s heavy defense. The first half produced few highlights, as Asier Illarramendi’s long-range half-volley and a shot from Ruslan Mingazov were both blocked, leaving the game scoreless at the break.
Just four minutes into the second half, Lee Man took advantage of a defensive error to go up 1-0 before doubling their lead in the 58th minute. The Blues quickly responded when Martín Merquelanz assisted Illarramendi for a header to make it 1-2. Despite late pressure and close attempts from Jay Haddow and Illarramendi, Kitchee couldn't find the equalizer, ending the Club’s 2025/26 League Cup campaign with a narrow defeat.