EAFF Championship
The win sets up Hong Myung-bo’s side nicely heading into their final group game against Japan on Tuesday.
The five-time winners made 11 changes to the side that defeated China PR 3-0, while Hong Kong, China were aiming to bounce back from their opening day 6-1 defeat to Japan.
Both sides jostled for early possession but it was Korea Republic who had the upper hand as they kept their opponents pegged in their own half.
Their first attempt came when Seo Myong-gwan crossed to Lee Kang-in, who flashed his glancing header just wide of the left post. Then, quick exchanges between Seo and Na Sang-ho almost unlocked the Hong Kong defence but keeper Yapp Hung Fai was quick to intervene.
The deadlock was broken in the 27th minute when Kang Sang-yoon evaded his marker with a deft first touch before turning and slotting the ball into the bottom right corner.
Korea Republic should have doubled their lead in the 44th minute but Yapp made a sprawling save to deny Na’s header following Lee Ho-jae’s cross while moments later, Seo Min-woo saw his curling effort whisk over the bar.
The second half started in reverse fashion, with Hong Kong, China’s Matt Orr almost capitalising on a defensive error in the 48th minute when he intercepted Seo just above the area, only to be closed down by Byeon Jun-soo.
However, Korea Republic regained control and forced Hong Kong, China back into their own half with Seo pulling his long range effort high five minutes later, while Yapp was forced into a fine save to keep out Seo’s grounded effort in the 65th minute.
Korea Republic’s pressure was too much for Hong Kong, China as they conceded a second in the 67th minute after Lee Ho-jae headed home Moon Seon-min’s cross.
Yapp came to Hong Kong, China’s rescue again in the 82nd minute when he kept out Moon’s left-footed drive from close range, before scrambling to save what might have been an Oliver Gerbig own goal in the closing stages.
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