The SAR’s men’s team defeated China 2-1 in a close-door friendly, the first time Hong Kong have beaten the national team in nearly four decades.

The sides were playing in the United Arab Emirates on Monday in preparation for the Asian Cup later this month, a tournament in which Hong Kong will be making its first appearance in 54 years.

The SAR conceded nine minutes in with striker Tan Long tapping in a rebound off a save from Hong Kong goalkeeper Tse Ka-wing.

In the second half, coach Jorn Andersen made several changes and it worked wonders.

Substitute Max Poon scored twice within eight minutes to secure the victory, the first time Hong Kong had defeated China since the 2-1 win in a World Cup qualifier on May 19, 1985.

China were down to nine men after midfielder Wang Shangyuan and defender Wu Shaocong were sent off, and an assistant coach was also shown the red card.

Earlier on in the day, Andersen called up defender Sean Tse as the last of 26 players to play in the Asian Cup in Qatar.