When Ruslan Mingazov joined Kitchee four years ago, he made an instant impact at the 2022 AFC Champions League in Thailand, scoring a decisive winner on his debut. Today, he is the squad’s second-most senior player and will lead Kitchee as they return to Asian competition.
Kitchee’s 2022 ACL campaign took place during the pandemic, with local football suspended and training disrupted. The tournament was held in a bubble in Thailand. Mingazov signed just before the trip and went straight into preparations. In the opening group match against Chiangrai United, he scored the winner.
“I still remember those days vividly,” Mingazov said. “My arrival in Hong Kong wasn’t easy due to COVID, and we headed straight to Thailand. That goal and win feel like they were just yesterday. Having enough time to prepare and the excellent team atmosphere really helped us.”
Kitchee made history by reaching the Round of 16. “We were determined to make sure the hard work, far from home and family, wasn’t in vain,” he recalled. “Advancing from the group stage felt like a miracle. The final group match against Vissel Kobe and the emotions after that are truly unforgettable.”
Mingazov made his local debut only half a year after joining. That season, Kitchee won the domestic treble, and he was named Hong Kong Footballer of the Year. But after that success, the club entered two difficult rebuilding seasons.
“Sometimes in football, just like in life, things aren’t always perfect,” Mingazov said. “Many experienced players left, which happens to every big club. Now there is a promising group of young players. With our coach Calde, we regained our status as champions. We have a strong, balanced team, and Kitchee always sets high goals in these tournaments.”
Returning to Asia, Mingazov is ready to give his all. “We respect every opponent — there are no weak teams in such a tournament. We want to showcase our style, bring joy to our fans, and advance as far as we can.”
The original article was published in the matchday program for Kitchee vs Gangwon FC in the AFC Champions League Two on September 17, 2026.