Kitchee suffered a major setback in their AFC Champions League Two campaign after conceding two late goals to fall to a 2:0 defeat against Cambodian side Phnom Penh Crown on Thursday night.
The Hong Kong Premier League side enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the opening 45 minutes, though the hosts remained dangerous on the counter with a series of long-range efforts. Kitchee goalkeeper Pong Cheuk Hei was called into action as early as the ninth minute, producing a sharp save to deny a powerful strike from the edge of the area.
Kitchee's best chance of the first half arrived seven minutes before the break. Koldo Obieta was slipped through on goal by Everton Camargo, but the forward was denied by the onrushing Crown goalkeeper, who cleared the danger just before the ball could be squared to Ruslan Mingazov.
The visitors started the second half with renewed intent and should have taken the lead within 60 seconds of the restart. Everton showcased brilliant footwork on the left flank, dancing past three defenders to deliver a precise cross, only for Mingazov to fire over from close range.
Phnom Penh Crown responded with pressure of their own, testing Pong once more with a fierce low drive in the 53rd minute, which the Kitchee stopper did well to turn away. Moments later, Mingazov forced a save at the other end with a snapshot from the edge of the box.
As both sides searched for a breakthrough, Kitchee introduced fresh legs from the bench, which nearly paid immediate dividends. In the 83rd minute, substitute Júnior found space on the right wing and pulled it back for Lam Jordan Lok Kan, who could only direct his effort over the bar. The roles were reversed just a minute later when Lam delivered a tempting cross to the far post, but Júnior’s header drifted wide of the target.
Kitchee were made to pay for those missed opportunities as the match entered the final minute of normal time. The hosts broke the deadlock with a stunning 25-yard strike, looping the effort over the stranded Pong to take the lead.
Deep into stoppage time, the home side sealed all three points after capitalising on a defensive error in the Kitchee backline to slot home, leaving the visitors empty-handed at the final whistle.