The 2018–19 Hong Kong Sapling Cup was the 4th edition of the Sapling Cup and was the first time in history without name sponsorship. The Cup was contested by the 10 teams in the 2018–19 Hong Kong Premier League. The objective of the Cup was to create more potential playing opportunities for youth players. Each team were required to field a minimum of two players born on or after 1 January 1997 (U-22) and a maximum of six foreign players during every whole match, with no more than four foreign players on the pitch at the same time. [1]
Kitchee were the defending champions, but they were eliminated after failing to get out of group stage. Lee Man became the champions for the first time after beating Yuen Long in the final. This is also Lee Man's first title in club history.
Calendar
Phase
Round
Draw Date
Date
Matches
Clubs
Group stage
Matchday 1
5 November 2018
24–25 November 2018
20
10 → 4
Matchday 2
16, 30 December 2018 1 January 2019
Matchday 3
2–3 February 2019
Matchday 4
10–11 February 2019
Matchday 5
2–3 March 2019
Knockout phase
Semi-finals
13 – 14 April 2018
2
4 → 2
Final
27 April 2018 at Mong Kok Stadium
1
2 → 1
Group stage
Group A
Pos
Team
Pld
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Pts
Qualification
1
Yuen Long
4
3
0
1
10
7
+3
9
Advance to Semi-finals
2
Dreams FC
4
2
1
1
5
5
0
7
3
R&F
4
2
1
1
6
4
+2
7
4
Tai Po
4
1
0
3
5
8
−3
3
5
Eastern
4
0
2
2
4
6
−2
2
Source: Hong Kong Football Association Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Goal difference; 5) Goals scored.
Source: Hong Kong Football Association Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Goal difference; 5) Goals scored.