Hong Kong: Sandro's brace steered Wofoo Tai Po to their first Hong Kong Premier League title as Lee Chi-kin's side defeated R & F 2-1 on Saturday to take an unassailable lead at the top of the standings with just one match remaining.
The title triumph completed Tai Po’s fairy-tale rise as they became the first district team to win the Hong Kong Premier League.
Tai Po were one of the district teams introduced by the Hong Kong Football Association with the help of the government in 2002 and they started their journey in the Third Division.
“We never expected to become the first district team to win the league championship ... never,” said delighted club secretary Chan Ping, who saw his team come back from a goal down to seal their place in history.
“Setting up district teams was meant to provide more opportunities for district football lovers and foster community solidarity. Thanks to hard work and through the efforts of the players throughout the season, we were able to pull off the surprise of the season.”
">https://www.instagram.com/p/BxCiO7TF6n0/" data-instgrm-version="12" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
View this post on Instagram
Guangzhou is Green #wofootaipo #taipo #tpfc #和富大埔 #香港足球 #flyhigh #weallbelieve #hkpl #wedidit #足可圓夢
Two second-half strikes from Sandro started the celebrations as Tai Po beat nearest challengers R & F 2-1 at Yangzigang Stadium in Guangzhou.
With 38 points from 17 games, Tai Po are in an unassailable position with one match left. R&F, who needed to win, are five points behind in second with Kwung Chung Southern third on 32 points.
Tai Po, who are currently second in Group I of the 2019 AFC Cup, have qualified for the preliminary stage of the 2020 AFC Champions League with their title triumph.
Photo: Wofoo Tai Po FC
Source: the-afc.com