Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Hong Kong: A Juan Belencoso hat-trick ensured newly crowned Hong Kong champions Kitchee sealed their place as AFC Cup Group H winners with an emphatic 4-0 win over Singapore's Tampines Rovers.
Belencoso opened the scoring on 33 minutes and then notched a second just after the hour mark. The Spaniard’s compatriot Jorge Tarres netted Kitchee’s third on 82 minutes and just three minutes later Belencoso had his third to complete a convincing performance by the home side.
Despite the loss, Tampines Rovers are still in with a chance of making the knock-out stages as the second placed side. Myanmar’s Nay Pyi Taw's 3-3 draw with I-League side Pune FC means that the Singaporeans remain a point ahead of the Myanmar side whom they will host in the final round of group fixtures in a fortnight’s time.
Kitchee, meanwhile, advance to the Round of 16 knockout stage with a home leg advantage as group winners although their coach Chu Chi Kwong still sees room for improvement.
“The final score was 4-0, but it should have been the half-time score. The team wasted a lot of chances. It took them time to get used to the slippery ground, and they were rushing on the attack,” said coach Chu.
“The team has improved a lot, in finishing, pressing and defensive positioning. But in future we need to improve our composure in counterattacks – and vice versa, in transitioning from attack to defence, to guard against opposition counters.”
After two early Kitchee goals were ruled offside, Belencoso, who started the match as the tournament’s joint top scorer, opened the scoring on 33 minutes.
The second goal came after 62 minutes, when he met a deep, curling cross from left-back Cheung Kin Fung with an unstoppable diving header inside the six-yard box.
Tarres claimed Kitchee's third goal on 82 minutes, receiving a selfless pass from Belencoso in the area, who chose to set up his teammate rather than go for his hat trick.
Belencoso did not have to wait long for his third, which came with a deft chip over the keeper in the 85th minute.
“Kitchee kept possession well, and their movement and use of space was excellent. Their players were very hard to mark,” said Tampines Rovers coach Salim Moin.
“I hope we can get points with the help of home advantage in our final game. I still have confidence that my team can progress to the next round.”