Clayton Lewis' 22nd-minute goal proved the difference as Auckland City FC lifted the Lunar New Year Cup in Hong Kong.

Auckland City FC have won the Nike Lunar New Year Cup in Hong Kong after beating Kitchee SC 1-0 in Tuesday night's final.

Following their 1-0 win over South Korean giants FC Seoul on Saturday, a goal from Clayton Lewis in the 22nd minute was enough for the Navy Blues to clinch the trophy at Hong Kong Stadium.

In a tournament that also featured the Thai and Korean champions, Auckland City were by far the smallest of the four clubs, a fact that made the victory sweeter for coach Ramon Tribulietx.

"I said it after the last game but the other teams don't understand the difference between them and us," said Tribulietx.

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"We're very little compared to them. I don't want to talk about money but if you saw some of the contracts their players are on you'd be amazed, while we had Darren White and our goalkeeper coach already back in Auckland because they had to work today."

The match-winning goal came when Emiliano Tade's shot was straying past the outside of the back post until Lewis slid in at full stretch to guide the ball past Jianqiao Gou in the Kitchee goal.

Lewis almost grabbed a second just before halftime when put through on goal but his lob over the goalkeeper just bounced past the outside of the post.

"There were many things to be proud about," said Tribulietx. "I think we dominated the first 60 minutes of the game especially in the first half when we were very good with the ball.

"We went one-nil up and Clayton Lewis had a very good chance in front of the keeper. It could've been two-nil at halftime."

In the second half, Kitchee pushed forward in waves but City's defence looked comfortable enough to limit the home side to very few clear chances although their were signs of fatigue starting to show.

"Things can change at this level when you start to tire. They brought on six subs who were of the same calibre as the players they replaced and as we tired we got our pressure a little late.

"Out wide they were pushing their wingbacks on to make it a five up front. It was difficult to defend but they didn't really have any clear chances."

In the day's earlier game, Muangthong United beat FC Seoul 1-0 in the third-place playoff.

The Navy Blues don't have long to celebrate another giant killing excursion as they return home to resume domestic duties, with a Stirling Sports Premiership match against Hawke's Bay United in Napier on Sunday, kicking off a run of seven national league fixtures in 28 days.

Auckland City FC 1 (Clayton Lewis 22') Kitchee SC 0. HT: 1-0