Tai Po Football Club is carrying Hong Kong's hopes in the AFC Champions League Two, showcasing their fighting spirit and determination to make a mark on the continental stage. The team, based in Tai Po, currently competes in the Hong Kong Premier League, the top tier of Hong Kong football.
Tai Po has a history of firsts, being the first district team to win a top-flight title since Yuen Long in the 1962-63 season. They are also the first-ever district team to win the Hong Kong Premier League title. Moreover, Tai Po is the first club in Hong Kong to win the first, second, and third-tier league titles. In May 2025, they clinched their second Hong Kong Premier League title, which secured their qualification for the 2025-26 AFC Champions League Two.
In their opening match of the AFC Champions League Two campaign, Tai Po secured a 2-1 victory against Macarthur FC of Australia at Mong Kok Stadium. Gabriel Moreira scored an early goal in the third minute, giving Tai Po the lead. Macarthur FC faced further challenges when Callum Talbot was shown a straight red card just before halftime. With a one-man advantage, Michel Renner extended Tai Po's lead in the 66th minute. Although James Temelkovski's own goal gave Macarthur FC a glimmer of hope, Tai Po held on to win.
After the victory against Macarthur FC, head coach Lee Chi Kin urged his team to stay grounded. While the win put Tai Po at the top of Group E, he emphasized the importance of not getting ahead of themselves. Midfielder Remi Dujardin expressed the team's belief that "anything is possible".
Tai Po's recent success and participation in the AFC Champions League Two are significant for Hong Kong football. In 2024, Hong Kong was not allocated a direct slot in the AFC Champions League Elite but instead received two direct spots in the AFC Champions League Two. Tai Po's performance in the tournament offers an opportunity to showcase the quality and competitiveness of Hong Kong clubs on a broader stage.
