It's fair to say that Kitchee's home opener in this year's AFC Cup did not go at all to plan.

Two goals down to Hong Kong Premier League title rivals Tai Po after 50 minutes of play at Mong Kok Stadium, the Blues rallied to level the scores only to concede twice more in the game's dying minutes.

And things do not get any easier from there with a tough test away against 2018 East Asia Zonal champions 4.25 SC.

After the first set of games, Tajikistan’s FC Istiklol lead the way in Group D, Bangladesh’s Abahani Limited Dhaka do likewise in Group E and both 4.25 SC of DPR Korea and Hong Kong’s Wofoo Tai Po are on maximum points in Group I.

First up will be Group G on Tuesday, before the eight sides in Groups F and H follow suit a day later in what promises to be another thrilling round of fixtures.

The four sides in Group B will kick off the action on Monday, before the teams in Groups A and C take to the field a day later in what will be the fourth round of fixtures.

The visitors started the game on the front foot and Won Song’s spectacular curling effort from 20 yards brought out a flying save from Huang Chiu-Lin after 14 minutes.

Some determined defensive blocks kept 4.25 SC out on several occasions but the opening goal looked a matter of time as the Koreans continued to dominate.

The visitors made a decent early opening when Igor Sartori’s low cross from the left found Sandro, but the striker couldn’t keep his shot down.

Hirokane Harima then had a good chance for the home side after a through pass from Jordi Tarres. But the striker’s tame effort lacked conviction and it was comfortably saved by Tai Po goalkeeper Tsang Man Fai.

The three points ensured a positive start to their Group I campaign as well as striking a blow against their domestic rivals.