The 2008–09 Hong Kong First Division League season, known as Coolpoint Ventilation First Division () for sponsorship reasons, was the 97th since its establishment in 1908. It began on 6 September 2008 and ended on 10 May 2009. The unveiling match was contested by the defending champions South China, and the runners-up of last season Citizen. They made a 1–1 draw, scored by Sandro of Citizen and Detinho of South China, China. Three new teams joined the league as competition members, including Fourway, TSW Pegasus and Xiangxue Eisiti. The league consisted of 13 teams, the most since the 1979–80 season. League team changes Teams promoted from 2007–08 Hong Kong Second Division League Champions: Mutual Teams relegated to 2008–09 Hong Kong Second Division League Bulova Rangers (renamed as Rangers) New teams in Hong Kong football league system Fourway TSW Pegasus Xiangxue Eisiti (from mainland China) Teams changed the name NT Realty Wofoo Tai Po (named as Wofoo Tai Po before) Sheffield United (named as Lanwa Redbull before, from mainland China) Tuen Mun Progoal (named as Workable before) League table Results All times are Hong Kong Time (UTC+8). Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 South China is awarded a 3 – 0 win against TSW Pegasus due to TSW Pegasus used more than the allowed maximum of 6 foreign players at a time in the match. Round 6 Round 7 Round 8 Round 9 Round 10 Round 11 Round 12 Round 13 Round 14 Round 15 Round 16 Round 17 Round 18 Round 19 Round 20 Round 21 Round 22 Round 23 Round 24 Round 25 Round 26 Season statistics Scoring First goal of the season: Sandro for Citizen against South China (6 September 2008). First own goal of the season: Ma Ka Ki (Citizen) for Fourway (18 October 2008). Most goals scored by one player in a match: 4 goals – Detinho (South China) against Tuen Mun Progoal, , , , (20 September 2008) and against Convoy Sun Hei, , , , (14 December 2008). Widest winning margin: 9 goals – Tuen Mun Progoal 0–9 South China (20 September 2008). Most goals in a match: 9 goals Most goals in one half Most goals in one half by a single team Discipline First yellow card of the season First red card of the season Most yellow cards in a single match Most red cards in a single