The Chinese Super League's Shanghai Shenhua celebrated their first AFC Champions League Elite group-stage victory on Wednesday, defeating the Republic of Korea's FC Seoul 2-0 at Hongkou Football Stadium. The win moved Shenhua to fifth place in Group C with four points from three matches.
The hosts started on the front foot, and Equatorial Guinea striker Luis Nlavo tested Seoul goalkeeper Kang Hyun-mo early on, only to see his shot tipped over. Nlavo struck again in the 14th minute, but Kang kept the visitors in the game with a sharp save.
In the 57th minute, Shenhua finally broke the deadlock. Joao Teixeira whipped in a teasing cross from the right flank, and Nlavo rose highest to head home and spark celebrations among the home fans.
Seoul pressed for a response, but 25-year-old Xue Qinghao was in inspired form between the sticks. The young keeper pulled off several stunning saves to keep his clean sheet intact.
As Seoul pushed forward in search of a late equalizer, Wilson Manafa carried the ball forward and slid a precise pass to Andre Luis in the 89th minute. The substitute forward made no mistake, slotting home to seal a commanding 2-0 victory.
Elsewhere in Group C, South Korea's Gangwon FC produced a thrilling performance to edge Japan's Vissel Kobe 4-3, ensuring fans were treated to an action-packed night of continental football.
Reference(s):
Shenhua beat Seoul 2-0, Gangwon edge Kobe 4-3 in AFC Champions League
cgtn.com
