The SAR’s footballers on Sunday began their quest to make the final of an East Asian tournament with a dominant 3-0 victory over Mongolia at the Mong Kok Stadium.

Hong Kong, China were in control from start to finish of the opener of the qualifying round of the East Asia Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship – in what was their fourth consecutive victory under coach Ashley Westwood.

Star winger Everton Camargo and midfielder Wong Wai each scored a goal for the home side before half-time.

After the break, winger Nicholas Benavides came out to score his first goal for the SAR in only his second game by heading home a cross from substitute Mahama Awal.

Goalkeeper and captain Edmond Yapp earned his 100th cap for Hong Kong, China, the first player from the SAR to reach the century mark.

The football association marked the occasion by presenting him with a commemorative kit, to the delight of more than 3,300 spectators.

The SAR will play against Chinese Taipei on Saturday in another Group B match.

Guam and Macau are the two remaining teams in Group A, after North Korea withdrew from the competition last month.

The two teams topping their respective groups will play in the final on 17 December.

The winner will advance to the tournament in South Korea next summer to play against the hosts, Japan and the national team.

Those three teams automatically qualify for the final round of the competition.