Hong Kong, China 1-7 IR Iran
Iran, the 2018 champions, quickly got into their groove and went ahead in the second minute through Omid Garachchomaghloo before Erfan Khodadadian doubled their lead 14 minutes later.

Hong Kong, China fought to pull a goal back through Yiu Tsz Leong in the 23rd minute but were unable to stop Iliya Ahmadimanesh from restoring Iran’s two-goal lead nine minutes later.

The East Asian side battled admirably in the second half but Iran’s persistent attacks proved too hot to handle as Garachchomaghloo shined with goals in the 50th, 88th and second minute of added time while Khodadadian netted in the 84th minute to seal the emphatic win.

Both teams were looking to build on their respective opening match success with DPR Korea picking up an 8-2 win against Hong Kong, China while Syria secured a 3-1 victory against Jordan.

A tight first half saw both sides having chances but were thwarted by the excellence of custodians Jong Hyon Ju and Hadi Esmail.

The deadlock was broken in the 68th minute when Kim Tae Guk netted the opener for DPR Korea but a defiant Syria fought back to equalise through Ahmad Khalaf three minutes later.

Just when it looked like both teams would have to settle for a point each, Kim Yu Jin came up with the winner in the 83rd minute to maintain DPR Korea’s perfect record.

DPR Korea face Iran on Wednesday with Hong Kong, China taking on Jordan.