“Of course, Cambodia are stronger than Brunei, this is clear. They were better technically, better physically and it was more difficult for us. But I’m very happy that we can take confidence from the [victory].”

Since his appointment in June 2021, Andersen had led Hong Kong in 14 previous matches, during which time they had scored a total of nine goals – a tally they surpassed in one memorable night.

It also brought the first goals at home by any Hong Kong player – rather than an own goal – since their 2-0 defeat of Myanmar behind closed doors last September.

Now, Andersen hopes a template has been established for how he has been asking his team to play.

“Of course I’m happy,” he said. “Finally I can say we [scored] some goals. I think it has been many years since we got 10 goals at Hong Kong Stadium.

“Finally, we could play so aggressively that we could play offensively and make goals. These things will give us confidence.”

The result was Hong Kong’s most emphatic since 2005’s 15-0 hammering of Guam in Taipei, when Chan Siu-ki claimed a city record seven goals. That followed an 11-0 romp over the same Pacific islanders at home two years earlier.

Andersen paid tribute to his two new charges, Everton Camargo – who was named man of the match – and Michael Udebuluzor.

Hong Kong can cause ‘sensation’ at Asian Cup, Andersen says – with vital caveat

Having given up his Nigerian citizenship to represent the city of his birth, Udebuluzor finally made his first appearance on Monday. The teenager hit the crossbar twice even if he could not put away any of his chances.

“I am very satisfied with Udebuluzor,” Andersen said. “He is in the team for the first time. He still doesn’t know the names of all the players, still not used to where he has to run, but made two good assists. For a 19-year-old debutant, it was very good.

“I’m happy we can get both Udebuluzor and Everton in the squad, and we have already raised the team quality.”

Newly eligible after completing his naturalisation, Brazilian-born Camargo had scored direct from a free-kick on his debut in the 1-1 draw away to Cambodia last Thursday, ending the team’s goal drought since Myanmar. He followed it up with two more fine left-footed finishes on Monday, the first of which started the rout.

“I am very happy to score the goals in my first home game for the Hong Kong team, but I think the most important thing was we created and scored many goals,” the 32-year-old Lee Man forward said.

“Of course we missed some goals [at the beginning], but I think we played very well and the most important thing is we scored goals and won the game.”