Hong Kong, China set the early pace with a Tan Chun Lok effort from distance that flashed just wide with China PR custodian Yan Junling at full stretch.

Wang Yudong then provided the first sight at goal for China PR after he received the ball on the left, worked his way inside the box but sent his attempt wide of the post.

China PR found the lead in the 20th minute after Huang exchanged passes with Zhang Yuning before driving into the box and slamming a shot into the bottom corner past Yapp Hung Fai.

Despite going behind, Hong Kong, China were still keeping China PR on their toes, a menacing Fernando cross in the 37th minute just missed the head of Manama Awal.

The woodwork denied China PR early in the second half with Zhang's shot hitting Oliver Gerbig before bouncing off the post, then Wang produced a beautiful curling shot that Yapp tipped onto the post.

China PR did have the ball in the net in the 70th minute when Zhang thumped in a header from a corner but it was disallowed as the ball was deemed to have gone out before it reached the box, however, it mattered little as Dejan Djurdjevic’s side held on for the win.

Photos: EAFF