Coach Kim Pan-gon plays down Hong Kong's chances of retaining East Asian Games title

Hong Kong were convincing 3-0 winners over Macau in their last preparatory match for the forthcoming East Asian Games, but coach Kim Pan-gon remains cautious of their chances of defending their title in Tianjin.

Despite being down to 10 men for most of the second half, the under-23 squad saw off their neighbours 3-0 through Chan Pak-hang's first-half header and goals from Wong Wai and Lee Ka-yiu after the break to lift the annual Interport Cup at Mong Kok Stadium yesterday.

Second-half substitute Cheung Kwok-ming was sent off almost immediately after coming on when he was shown two yellow cards in quick succession for arguing with the referee.

Kim said their preparations for the Games had gone well, but admitted their opponents there - China, Japan, North Korea and South Korea in a single round-robin competition - would be a different class.

"We are the defending champions but it's unrealistic to target the same degree of success this time," said Kim.

"China, Japan and North Korea are sending their under-20 Olympic squads, but they are all very strong and will take the tournament seriously as part of their preparations for the 2016 Olympics. South Korea will be represented by a K-League 2 selection and may be the weakest.