Kitchee Served up Impressive Win against South Chi

Kitchee snatched an impressive 3:0 away victory against South China in Saturday’s BOCG Life Hong Kong Premier League fixture, offering the team an encouraging send-off before next week’s vital AFC Champions League 2016 preliminary stage 2 in Vietnam. Kitchee got off to a fast start in the first half, with new striker Rufino Sgovia opening his Kitchee scoring account through a fine close-range strike. Late in the first half, South China was awarded a penalty but Felix Borja could only witness his spot-kick sensationally saved by Kitchee keeper Wang Zhenpeng, ensuring Kitchee maintained its lead towards the half time interval. South China’s Bojan Malisic received his marching order early in the second half, putting South China further behind the eight ball and Kitchee capitalized on the advantage by adding to the scoreboard, courtesy to another Rufino Sgovia goal and a well-positioned Alexander Akande header. The 3:0 score stood towards the final whistle as Kitchee claimed all three points from the away encounter. Rufino Sgovia, who enjoyed an impressive Kitchee debut, admitted his surprise on finding the back of the net instantaneously for his new side. “I am very happy that I can help the side to come out on top. I thought we were going to win but I never thought I would have scored two goals in the process. At the end of the day, the most important thing is for the team to win,” said the Spanish debutant. Forward Alexander Akande netted the other goal for Kitchee and gave a special mentioned to two teammates in his post-game interview. “I want to send my support to Juan Belencoso because he is a respectable warrior, having contributed a lot to the club. However, we all know the football world is full of changes but we all want to let him know that he was a teammate and will remain our teammate,” said Akande. “Also, a special mention goes to my dear teammate Christian Annan. He has not played much this season but I never doubted his ability. He was lively and played brilliantly during the game, I am very happy for him.”