Hong Kong FC head coach calls for Sapling Cup shake-up after full debut for 15-year-old
Tai Po and Eastern set for next month’ semi-finals, where they will be joined by two from Southern, Lee Man and holders BC Rangers
Football Club head coach Chancy Cooke called for a shake up of the Sapling Cup after his young team lost 3-1 to Tai Po on Saturday, their fourth defeat from four group matches.
Tai Po, who handed a debut to new defender Kevin Moreno at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground, had already qualified for next month’s semi-finals, but their three points clinched Group A’s top spot.
Igor Sartori scored a penalty two minutes before half-time to join Matheus Chulapa, of North District, on a competition-high three goals, after Daniel Scally was penalised when Jerry Lam Lok-yin’s cross crashed into his hand from close range.
Substitute Michael Renner headed home Tai Po’s second after 74 minutes. Football Club’s 17-year-old forward, Nicholas Kedwards, angled home a firm drive shortly after his 79th-minute introduction, but Kevin Padilla streaked clear in stoppage time to beat goalkeeper James Wright and wrap-up the win.
Sapling Cup rules dictate teams must field three players born on or after January 1, 2003, but Cooke, who started three 17-year-olds and one 21-year-old, and handed a full debut to 15-year-old striker Cai McGunnigle, believed sides should have to field more youngsters.
Tai Po started with the minimum three under-22s, an approach replicated in the day’s second match by Eastern, who drew 1-1 with Kitchee to pip their opponents to Group A’s second semi-final place.
