Hong Kong, China fell 2-0 to South Korea on Friday in the second game of the East Asian Football Championship played at the Yongin Mireu Stadium.
The SAR squad was trying to bounce back from their defeat to Japan in their opening match, and their resilience showed as they faced the home team.
Hong Kong, China was solid for most of the first half, but the hosts eventually broke through their defence in the 27th minute, when forward Kang Sang-yoon spun around with a shot with his right foot to give the South Koreans the lead.
Lee Ho-jae’s bullet header made the score 2-0 in the 67th minute and the game was all but over.
The Koreans dominated possession, shots on target and passing, but Hong Kong goalkeeper Yapp Hung-fai heroically kept the scoreline respectable.
Hong Kong, China now face the national team on July 15.