Tottenham suffered a surprise 2–0 defeat by South China in an exhibition match in Hong Kong. A fine strike from Chan Siu Ki and a Li Haiqiang penalty gave the hosts victory at the Hong Kong Stadium.

With the game being Spurs' fourth in seven days, Harry Redknapp opted to give some of his younger players a chance. Jonathan Obika, John Bostock, Danny Rose and Jake Livermore all started.

Li, South China's captain, had scored a memorable goal from a free-kick against Liverpool two years ago and he had the chance to repeat that feat early on – he sent his effort harmlessly wide. Spurs had their first chance in the 12th minute, when Roman Pavlyuchenko and Bostock exchanged passes before the former struck a low effort that was kept out by the goalkeeper, Zhang Chunhui.

Bostock forged an opportunity shortly before the half-hour when he broke and, with defenders backing off, unleashed a powerful drive that Zhang had to be at his best to deny. Zhang was called on again in the 36th minute, palming away Pavlyuchenko's rasping drive before keeping out the Russian striker's low shot from distance near his right post.

Redknapp made changes at half-time, bringing on Jermain Defoe to partner Pavlyuchenko up front while Robbie Keane took Jermaine Jenas's place in midfield. But it was South China who took the lead, six minutes after the restart.

From a throw-in, Chan brought the ball down smartly before turning towards goal and despatching a sublime strike that looped over Heurelho Gomes and into the back of the net. It was the first goal conceded by the tourists in the far east.

Defoe struck an effort over the crossbar before Keane's deft flick inside the box hit the woodwork. However, in the 68th minute the referee pointed to the spot following a fairly innocuous challenge by Livermore on Chao Peng Fei and Li stepped up to chip the ball into the net.