What Is 2002 Hong Kong FA Cup

Overview

The 2002 Hong Kong FA Cup marked the 19th staging of Hong Kong’s premier knockout football competition, organized by the Hong Kong Football Association. This edition featured 10 teams from the Hong Kong First Division League, competing in a single-elimination format to claim one of the most prestigious domestic trophies.

The tournament ran from April to June 2002, culminating in a dramatic final at Hong Kong Stadium. Sun Hei SC emerged victorious, securing their first FA Cup title in club history with a 2–1 win over underdogs Double Flower FA.

• Sun Hei SC won the final 2–1 on June 15, 2002, claiming their first major trophy in the club’s history.
• The match drew approximately 3,200 spectators to Hong Kong Stadium, a solid turnout for a domestic cup final.
• Double Flower FA, a mid-table First Division side, reached their first-ever FA Cup final, marking a historic achievement.
• The competition began in April 2002 with preliminary rounds, leading to quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final.
• Goals in the final were scored by Li Jian and Chan Wai Ho for Sun Hei, while Leung Chi Wing scored for Double Flower.

Final Match Details

The final was a tightly contested affair, with Sun Hei SC showcasing superior composure under pressure. Despite Double Flower FA’s spirited performance, Sun Hei’s experience in high-stakes matches proved decisive.

• Final Date: The match was played on June 15, 2002, the traditional conclusion date for the FA Cup season.
• Venue: The final took place at Hong Kong Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 40,000 and is the primary venue for major football events.
• First Goal: Sun Hei SC opened the scoring in the 34th minute through striker Li Jian.
• Equalizer: Double Flower FA responded in the 58th minute with a goal by Leung Chi Wing, leveling the score.
• Winning Goal: Chan Wai Ho scored the decisive goal in the 72nd minute, securing the cup for Sun Hei.
• Referee: The match was officiated by Leung Chun Fai, a senior Hong Kong Football Association referee.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2002 final teams compared across key performance metrics during the season:

The table highlights Sun Hei SC’s consistency across competitions, finishing fourth in the league while excelling in knockout football. Double Flower FA overperformed relative to their league position, reaching the final despite limited resources. The data shows that cup upsets are possible even in tightly contested leagues.

Why It Matters

The 2002 Hong Kong FA Cup remains a significant moment in local football history, symbolizing the potential for smaller clubs to challenge traditional powerhouses. It also marked the rise of Sun Hei SC as a competitive force in Hong Kong football.

• Historic win: Sun Hei SC captured their first major trophy, elevating the club’s profile and boosting fan engagement.
• Underdog story: Double Flower FA’s run to the final inspired smaller clubs, proving that deep cup runs are achievable.
• Youth development: Several players from both teams later represented Hong Kong internationally, highlighting the tournament’s developmental role.
• Attendance impact: The final’s turnout demonstrated strong public interest in domestic football despite limited media coverage.
• Legacy: The match is remembered for its competitive balance and is often cited in discussions about fair competition.
• Tournament prestige: Winning the FA Cup granted Sun Hei SC entry into the 2003 AFC Cup, expanding regional exposure.

The 2002 final exemplified the drama and unpredictability of knockout football, reinforcing the FA Cup’s importance in Hong Kong’s sporting culture.