Hong Kong are on the verge of qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup Finals for the first time since 1968 on Saturday when two goals in two minutes took Jorn Andersen’s side to a 3-0 win over Cambodia at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Matt Orr and Sun Ming-him were on target in the 19th and 21st minutes with Philip Chan Siu-kwan adding a third in the 63rd minute. A win or a point against India on Tuesday would seal Hong Kong’s spot in the draw for next year’s tournament, although they could also qualify if they lose depending on the results in the other five qualifying groups.

Hong Kong had put themselves in a strong position with an opening day victory over Afghanistan on Wednesday and Andersen’s side impressed again against a Cambodian side that had slipped to a 2-0 loss against India on June 8.

Sun had spurned an opening in the 16th minute, heading wide of the target when he emerged unmarked to steer Ju Yingzhi’s free-kick wide of Hul Kimhuy’s right post but Hong Kong only had to wait another three minutes before taking the lead.

Orr could have doubled his side’s lead soon after but he headed straight at Kimhuy, although that miss was not to prove too costly as, seconds later, Hong Kong struck again.

This time it was Sun who put his name on the scoreboard after Ju sent his corner into the six yard box and, with Kimhuy blocked by Cambodian defender Ken Chansopheak, the Hong Kong forward was able to head in.

Any hopes Cambodia had of coming back were extinguished in the 63rd minute when Chan threw himself at Orr’s curling cross from the left to leave Hong Kong on the verge of making history.