Kitchee’s first Champions League match ended with a victory after beating Royal Thimphu College FC 1-0 in the Preliminary Stage Group D at Changlimithang Stadium on Wednesday.
Kitchee have been drawn in Group D of the inaugural AFC Women’s Champions League Preliminary Stage, alongside Royal Thimphu College FC of Bhutan and Bam Khatoon of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The starting lineup saw new signing Claire Chu made her Kitchee debut as a left-back with Chu So Kwan moved to the left-wing position to provide attacking support in this group stage match against Royal Thimphu College FC. The visitors had a great chance to score their first-ever AWCL goal just minutes into kickoff, but striker Cheung Wai Ki’s effort was denied by the goalie. Royal Thimphu College FC responded right away and had dominated proceedings in the entire first half, but Kitchee had the final say when Fu Chiu Man capitalized for the visitors from the 6-yard box 4 minutes before the break.
Royal Thimphu College FC’s high pressed in the second half saw them had numerous chances to find the equalizer, but Kitchee’s incredible second half performance kept the hosts at bay to ensure they could grab 3 massive points on the road.
The win means the next fixture will be the decider of the group stage winners as Bam Khatoon sit top of the table on goal difference, and a win against the team from Iran will send the Blues to the next stage.