The World Legends staged a thrilling comeback and took the game to penalties, ultimately clinching the New Year Cup on Saturday night.
The match, held at Hong Kong Stadium, captivated an audience of 20,013 with its dynamic play featuring both Hong Kong and international stars. The game was marked by exciting, back-and-forth attacks from both teams.
In the 26th minute, Brazilian legend Cafu made a pass from the right flank to the middle, which was inadvertently directed into his own team’s goal by Hong Kong’s Lo Kwan-yee. However, the goal was disallowed as the side referee flagged the AC Milan Legend for being offside.
In the 31st minute, Hong Kong’s all-time leading scorer, Chan Siu-ki, broke through on the right and delivered a pass to the unmarked Lee Hong-lim, who opened the scoring for Hong Kong.
Just seven minutes later, Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs, receiving a pass from fellow Premier League star Eden Hazard, equalized with a goal from a narrow-angle.
In injury time of the first half, Lee skillfully penetrated the 18-yard box alone and scored with his left foot, securing a brace and giving the local stars a lead at halftime.
After the break, the local stars quickly extended their lead to two goals with a strike from Ju Yingzhi in the 49th minute.
The World Legends intensified their attack and in the 75th minute, former Liverpool winger Luis García headed in a goal, reducing the deficit.
In the 88th minute, García scored again, tying the game at three goals each and pushing the match to penalties.
The first five penalty-takers from each side successfully scored, moving the shootout into a sudden-death scenario.
Hong Kong’s Lo Kwan-yee missed the sixth penalty after Brazilian legend Kaká scored his, allowing the World Legends to complete their comeback and secure victory in the New Year Cup.
