Hong Kong got off to a convincing start under new coach Ernie Merrick with a 5-1 victory over visitors Taiwan in an international friendly at Mong Kok Stadium last night.
Striker Chan Siu-ki fired home a hat-trick, including two goals in the opening five minutes, to set the stage for a memorable night for the 5,100 crowd.
Lee Hong-lim made it 3-0 before Kuo Yin-hung pulled one back for Taiwan in their first serious attempt before the half-time whistle.
Second-half substitute Chan Man-fai also got his name on the scoresheet.
Hong Kong Football Association chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak said: 'The atmosphere was absolutely terrific with such a great support from the fans.
'This is a good start for the players, the sport and the new management under the government's Project Phoenix to revitalise the game. Taiwan are not a very strong team, but we look forward to improved performances by the team under the new coach so that we can challenge stronger nations of the region in the near future.'