Guangdong have defended their title at the annual Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup football competition, after beating the SAR on aggregate following a 2-1 win on Wednesday .

The two sides had settled for a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Guangzhou a week ago.

The return leg was played at the Hong Kong Stadium in front of thousands of home supporters.

The first shot on target for the SAR came shortly after the kick-off, although Mahama Awal’s attempt from the box was comfortably saved by Guangdong goalkeeper Zaho Shi.

But it was Guangdong who struck first, when national team player Behram Abduweli scored with a narrow angle shot in the 31st minute.

Things got slightly heated after the goal, as Abduweli celebrated by taking off his shirt in front of the home crowd, triggering some Hong Kong fans to throw things at him.

The SAR side later suffered another blow when they had to make an early substitution after Awal got injured. Ma Hei-wai replaced him.

But the hosts responded swiftly after half-time as Lau Ka-kiu made a quick run into the box and to score an equaliser.

The SAR team continued their attack and created multiple scoring chances, including a one-two play between Ma and Wu Chun-ming that led to a shot by Wu.

Xia Dalong put Guangdong ahead again in the 85th minute with a stunning header that caught Hong Kong goalkeeper Ng Wai-him off guard.

The SAR squad made a final effort to level the game in stoppage time, but captain Stefan Pereira’s free kick was again denied by the Guangdong goalkeeper.