Eastern off to flying start in AFC Cup with 3-1 win over Lee Man in all-Hong Kong affair
- Eastern will advance to the next round if they beat Tainan City of Taiwan next week in three-team group
- Teen midfielder Ma Hei-wai earns high appraise after scoring one goal and assisting another for Victor Bertomeu
Eastern Long Lions got off to a flying start in the AFC Cup group stage, thanks largely to their disciplined defence and the contribution of youngster Ma Hei-wai as they came from behind to beat Lee Man 3-1 in Buriram, Thailand on Friday.
Despite losing almost half of their squad from the beginning of last season amid a huge upheaval, Roberto Losada’s side secured a convincing result that could go a long way to sending them into the next round.
With only three teams in contention, Eastern need just one more win when they face Tainan City – who are widely considered to be the weakest side in Group J – to be certain of progression.
Lee Man must beat Tainan City on Monday to keep their slim hopes alive, and hope the Taiwanese side secure a huge upset victory against Eastern on Thursday.
While striker Victor Bertomeu was named the man of the match after scoring a double, it was 18-year-old attacking midfielder Ma that stole the limelight, scoring the equaliser and providing the assist for Bertomeu to put Eastern ahead in first-half added time.
