Eastern edged out Lee Man with a 3-2 win at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground. (PHOTO COURTESY OF HKFA)
Following a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections across the territory in what has widely been referred to as the pandemic’s “fourth wave”, the government has recently announced limitations on public gatherings as well as the temporary closure of all public entertainment venues in the city. Even though this meant that football clubs have no longer been able to conduct their daily training sessions, the Hong Kong Football Association has started negotiations with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to consider exceptions for Premier League games and allow their continuous operation behind closed doors. However, as of Thursday night, Dec 3, no agreement has been reached, and the HKFA decided to postpone all games of the coming weekend, including the first round of the FA Cup group stage.
The tightened regulations will at least remain in place until Dec 15, but they may be extended if the situation has not significantly improved by then. During this time, the normal resumption of football games appears unlikely. While all amateur divisions will struggle to return, as they rely on access to public sports ground, there is some hope that the HKFA can propose again the arrangement of a “bubble” to secure the Premier League competition under special circumstances. Previously, the HKFA implemented such a bubble to finish the delayed games of the 2019/20 season in September, amidst an improving situation of the then “third wave” of infections. However, the biggest hurdle for this right now may be the widespread closure of training facilities that will disrupt the required fitness level of the players.
The recent development puts a temporary end to the Hong Kong football season, after just two weeks and Premier League fixtures and five rounds of Sapling Cup games.
Nigerian striker Robert Odu (right) scored another goal for Happy Valley. (PHOTO COURTESY OF HKFA)
Eastern are currently top of the table with six points, being the only team that has managed to win both of their league matches. Following their easy 5-0 season opener against Resources Capital, they found themselves under serious pressure when facing Lee Man last weekend. The Blues eventually edged out their opponents with a 3-2 win, with center back Eduardo Praes scoring the decisive match winner in the 70th minute. The result leaves Lee Man just on seventh position in the table, having shared points with Kitchee in the first round. However, given that the Bees have already taken on the top two title contenders in their first two matches, the current ranking does not do justice to their potential this season, with at least one trophy being a more than reasonable objective. Lee Man have also just signed 23-year-old defender Tsui Wang-kit, who has played some impressive seasons in China League One and could turn out to be the missing piece for Lee Man’s success.
Southern District are currently second, just two points behind leaders Eastern, but the Aberdeeners did not manage to overcome Rangers last weekend and had to settle with an entertaining 3-3 draw. Southern already had a two-goal lead following after both Stefan Pereira and James Ha had found the back of the net, but Rangers managed to pull off a late come back, with veteran Lo Kwan-yee raising hopes in the 85th minute, and in the end it was defender Fernando Lopes who equalized just before the final whistle. With two points in their tally, Rangers are now on fifth, sharing the same points and goal difference with Kitchee on sixth.
Rangers held Southern District to a 3-3 draw at Aberdeen Sports Ground. (PHOTO COURTESY OF HKFA)
After solid performances in the Sapling Cup, the reigning champions have had a humble start into the Premier League season. While the competitive draw with Lee Man was to be expected, given the track record of recent encounters, many fans expected that Kitchee should have no problems to beat Happy Valley. However, the Greens proved the critics wrong once again, as their tactics for counter-attack clearly payed off. Newly signed Nigerian star striker Robert Odu scored in the 18th minute for Happy Valley following an impressive solo run. Kitchee pushed for an equalizer in the second half and were eventually rewarded when Li Ngai-hoi nodded in a free-kick from close range in the 74th minute. In the end, both sides had to settle with a 1-1 draw, which seemed to be a fair result after all. This leaves Happy Valley on fourth in the table, on equal points with Rangers and Kitchee.
After their 0-5 thrashing in their debut match, Resources Capital tried to avoid a similar disaster in the second outing and they indeed managed to give Pegasus a competitive match. In the end it was Kessi’s goal in the 30th minute that made the difference and allowed the Flying Horsemen to bag three points in what was nonetheless a surprisingly tight affair. This may have also been an indicator that Pegasus could find themselves in serious trouble this season. The Tin Shui Wai club is now on third with three points, while Resources Capital are at the bottom of the table, where they are still waiting for their first league goal.
Originally, the clubs were expected to play the first FA Cup round on Dec 5 and 6, but the matches have been postponed until further notice. Now all eyes are on the third Premier League round, which is scheduled between Dec 12 and 20. Even the Senior Shield matches, traditionally played over the Christmas holidays, seem unlikely under the current situation.
The next days will be crucial in finding a solution for the local football industry, which has suffered tremendously this year. Three clubs decided to withdraw, including R&F, Tai Po, and Yuen Long, making it even more difficult for professional players in the top-flight to make a living. Another long hiatus could inflict further irreparable damage to the league and the future of professional football in the city.
