Lunar New Year 2011: Tianjin Teda Snatch HK Football Cup

Hong Kong — Tianjin Teda grabbed a 5-3 victory in a penalty shoot-out to take footballing honours in this year’s Lunar New Cup, the first mainland team to win the crown since the tournament was opened up to international challengers in 1983.

The northern players kept their nerve in the close-fought final on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year on February 6 against Guangzhou Evergrande, better-known as Heng Da, despite enthusiastic support from the stands dominated by Guangzhou fans.

Four teams took part in this year’s Hong Kong Lunar New Year Cup, a footballing tradition dating back to 1948. The two mainland teams beat out Hong Kong’s South China and Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea on the first day of competition on February 3, Lunar New Year’s Day.

Ulsan Hyundai went on to beat host team South China to finish third in the tournament sponsored by Hong Kong karaoke company, Red MR.

High up in the stands and far from the sea of red, the Heng Da colours, a lone Tianjin fan held up a banner stating: “Tianjin Teda You Will Never Walk Alone” — prompting three Tianjin fans to join him in an enthusiastic display of waving and shouting support for their team.

As the players filed out of the stadium they exchanged hellos and new year’s wishes with the fans.