The Hong Kong, China football team won the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup at a packed Kai Tak Stadium on Saturday.

The team defeated Cambodia 2-0, scoring a goal in each half, as nearly 32,000 fans watched in delight. Goals by striker Matt Orr in the 41st minute and Everton Camargo via a 52nd–minute penalty sealed the championship for the special administrative region.

“With the players’ relentless drive and the fans’ boundless passion, the Hong Kong, China team beat Cambodia 2-0 at Kai Tak Stadium, clinching the title of a FIFA-organized cup competition for the first time,” Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said in a message congratulating the athletes.

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“The Hong Kong side demonstrated excellence in both attack and defense throughout, delivering an outstanding performance on the pitch. While benefiting from home advantage, they also fully showcased the Hong Kong football team’s fighting spirit and professionalism,” she said.

Several Southeast Asian national teams had gathered in the SAR in the past week to compete in the first ever ASEAN Challenge Cup which was split into two divisions.

Hong Kong hosted Division 2, which is supported by the HKSAR government's “M” Mark System, while Indonesia played host to Division 1. 

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“I hope this mega event has brought local fans and visiting tourists a top-tier spectator experience, while also showcasing to the world Hong Kong’s unique appeal as a capital of international sports events,” Law said.

The HKSAR government will continue to fully support the development of local soccer and actively align with the national policy direction of promoting the “three major ball games”.

“I look forward to the Hong Kong team achieving further success in upcoming competitions, further fostering a culture of soccer enthusiasm in Hong Kong,” Law said.