Beijing Guoan continued their perfect start in the Chinese Super League, edging Henan 1-0 at the Workers’ Stadium on Friday. After Fabio Abreu’s early offside strike and a frantic scramble, young midfielder Fang Hao broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a slick stepover and calm low drive.
The hosts weathered a late scare when Zhang Xizhe was sent off in stoppage time for a reckless challenge, but held firm to claim all three points. Guoan now sit fourth with four wins and four draws from eight games, while Henan remain in 12th place.
Meanwhile, defending champions Shanghai Port survived a thrilling 3-2 test away at newly promoted Yunnan Yukun. A disallowed opener for Yunnan did little to dampen the hosts’ spirit, but Port took control thanks to a neat finish by Leonardo after slick interplay with Gabrielzinho.
Gabrielzinho then unleashed a thunderbolt early in the second half, doubling the advantage. Yunnan refused to buckle, cutting the gap through Pedro Henrique’s composed penalty-area finish. Substitute Wu Lei teed up Leonardo for Port’s third, but a stoppage-time header from Sun Xuelong set up a nervy finale. Yan Junling produced key saves to secure Port’s third-place spot, leaving Yukun winless in their last four matches at 11th.
These results underline the fine margins defining this season’s drama on the Chinese mainland, where tactical battles and momentary brilliance continue to shape the title race.
Reference(s):
CSL: Guoan hold on for win against Henan, Port edge Yukun in thriller
cgtn.com
