Benfica Macau defeats Hwaepul 3-0 in final game

In their final game of the group stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup, Benfica de Macau defeated Pyongyang-based football club Hwaepul SC 3-0.

The game at the Macau University of Science and Technology Sports Fields in Taipa began at a slow pace with few chances. However, as the first half drew to a close, Benfica, de Macau began to apply the pressure.

All three goals were netted by Portuguese striker Carlos Leonel, with the earliest coming in the form of a header in the closing minutes of the first half.

The lead was extended in the 63rd minute with yet another header, and again in the 82nd when Leonel scored from the penalty spot.

The latest win for the local club, which performed in the tournament well above expectations, places it in second in the four- group stage. However, this will not be enough to carry it through to the next round, and instead North Korean team 4.25 SC will advance.

Benfica ends the tournament second on its group with 12 points, six behind 4.25 SC, while Hwaepul came third with six points and Taipei’s Hang Yuen FC finished bottom with zero points.