Hong Kong Senior Shield

Hong Kong Senior Shield

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The Hong Kong Senior Challenge Shield (Chinese: 香港高級組銀牌), known commonly as the Senior Shield, is the football knockout inter-club competition held in Hong Kong and the fourth oldest football tournament in Asia. Traditionally, only teams that play in the Hong Kong Premier League take part in the competition. However, sometimes teams in the lower divisions, usually the champions of the Junior Shield, are invited in order to increase the number of participating teams.

The current Senior Shield holders are Kitchee.

History

Hong Kong Football Cup was a knockout cup competition which was established in 1895. It had been renamed to Hong Kong Challenge Shield due to the changes of the trophy. It had been divided in Senior Shield and Junior Shield since 1922–23 season. The knockout format has been used except in 1982–83 and 1996–97 seasons. In 1982–83, group matches format was used. In 1996-1997, a double knock-out system were used. Before 1978, a re-match would be played after a draw. After 1978, extra time and penalty kicks were used. Penalty shoot-out has been used for 3 times in the final in history (1988, 1994, 1995). But starting from 2011, Hong Kong Challenge Shield is a two-legged home-and-away ties competition.

Lee Kin Wo is the player who has won the most number of Senior Shield. He won it for 10 times between 1987 and 2005. (Eastern: 1987, 1993, 1994; South China: 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003; Sun Hei: 2005). Ho Ying Fan and Wu Kwok Hung have won the competition for 9 times.

There are 3 teams after World War II which won Senior Shield immediately after their promotions to First Division League. They are Rangers (1966), Jardine (1969) and Seiko (1973).

In 1987–1988, it was the first time to have external sponsor for the competition. Camel Paints sponsored the competition for 6 consecutive years. In 1993–1994, the sponsor was Emperor Financial Services Group. In 2003–2004 and 2004–2005, Sunray Cave was the sponsor and the most recent sponsor is Choi Fung Hong.

One of the most unexpected results in the competition history is a 6–5 win by Army against Happy Valley in 1965. At the time, Army was at the bottom of the First Division League and had to relegate to the Second Division next season while Happy Valley was the league Champion.

The Hong Kong Senior Shield is an annual soccer tournament held in Hong Kong SAR, China. It is one of the most prestigious and oldest football competitions in the region, dating back to 1896. The tournament brings together some of the top professional football clubs in Hong Kong to compete for the coveted Senior Shield trophy.

The tournament follows a knockout format, with teams battling it out in a series of matches to progress to the next round. The participating teams include those from the Hong Kong Premier League, the top-tier football league in Hong Kong, as well as teams from lower divisions who qualify through preliminary rounds.

The Hong Kong Senior Shield is known for its intense and competitive matches, showcasing the skills and talents of both local and international players. The tournament provides a platform for teams to showcase their abilities and compete for glory, while also offering an opportunity for emerging talents to make a name for themselves.

Matches are held at various stadiums across Hong Kong, attracting a passionate and enthusiastic crowd of football fans. The atmosphere is electric, with supporters cheering on their favorite teams and creating an incredible ambiance throughout the tournament.

The Senior Shield has a rich history and has witnessed many memorable moments over the years. It has become an integral part of Hong Kong's football culture, with teams and players striving to etch their names in the tournament's illustrious history.

The Hong Kong Senior Shield not only promotes the sport of football but also fosters a sense of community and unity among the people of Hong Kong. It serves as a platform for fans to come together, celebrate their love for the game, and support their local teams.

Overall, the Hong Kong Senior Shield is a highly anticipated and prestigious soccer tournament that showcases the best of Hong Kong's football talent. It is a celebration of the sport, bringing together teams, players, and fans in a thrilling and competitive atmosphere.