Hong Kong Premier League drama as Lee Man cling to summit in crazy climax
Chu Siu-kei said his Lee Man team 'used all our luck' following a chaotic end to their 2-1 victory over Kowloon City in the Hong Kong Premier League on Sunday.
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The drama began when Ryan Tafazolli, the Lee Man defender, was sent off following a second bookable offence in the 89th minute.
From coasting at 1-0 up thanks to Henri Anier's first-half strike at Sham Shui Po Sports Ground, the league leaders suddenly looked vulnerable to a barrage of Kowloon attacks.
But the equaliser arrived in semi-farcical fashion after nine minutes of stoppage time when goalkeeper Chan Ka-ho failed to spot the lurking Kayron Ramos as he rolled the ball in front of him. A gleeful Ramos pinched possession to score and spark wild celebrations.
Goalscorer Henri Anier's Lee Man future will be decided at the end of the season. Photo: Elson Li
Interim head coach Chu later said he had 'given up', and was 'just thinking about how to talk to Ka-ho'. His despair lasted a mere two minutes. Lee Man poured forward and, with the last play of the match, Kim Min-kyu's right-wing cross invited Samuel Rosa to crash home a header, prompting more jubilant scenes.
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The Brazilian's goal sent Lee Man back above Tai Po at the top of the table with two games remaining.
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