Hong Kong had never before beaten Guangdong by three clear goals and they take the big cushion to Foshan on Sunday for the second leg of the annual fixture, which is being held for the 30th year.

Hong Kong FA chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak stood proud after the match, saying the local squad proved their class against Guangdong, who were represented by Guangzhou Pharmaceutical.

'It was always our intention to entertain the spectators with our football. We wanted our best squad to play in this competition to please the fans and also because it was the cup's 30th anniversary. I think we entertained today,' said Leung.

'This competition serves as a warm-up for February's Lunar New Year Cup, so it's nice to get a good result to take with us to China. Hopefully, we will play even better in Foshan.'

Hong Kong manager Steven Lo Kit-shing was also delighted with the result and as convener of South China was extremely pleased his charges had scored all three goals for the home team. 'Detinho and Maxwell have both played at a good level in Brazil so they are quite experienced. Guangdong really didn't get going, because Hong Kong are already midway through the season, while the Chinese league hasn't started,' he said. 'We have a great chance of retaining the trophy. Hopefully, we will score more goals and not concede any in the second leg.'

Detinho was undoubtedly the hero yesterday. The 34-year-old striker worked hard from start to finish, scoring his first goal in the 28th minute with a clever volley after receiving Chan Siu-ki's cross.

Maxwell doubled the tally in the 27th minute when he rose high above the Guangdong defence to head home captain Li Haiqiang's corner.

Detinho then completed a magical afternoon for Hong Kong six minutes before the final whistle. He chested down Wang Xuanghong's cross and braved a high foot from defender Zhou Lin to head home past goalkeeper Li Shuai. The Brazilian celebrated by kissing his young daughter in the stands as Hong Kong ended the year on a high note.