DOHA (Qatar): Shanghai SIPG equaled Group H leaders Yokohama F. Marinos on nine points after defeating them 2-1 at Al Janoub Stadium at the 2020 AFC Champions League on Saturday.
The two sides had met three days earlier at the same ground with Yokohama needing a late goal from Jun Amano to win it. And with one-goal margin wins exchanged over the two fixtures, a superior overall goal difference helps the Japanese side retain the top spot in the group.
After a lively start to the game, it was Shanghai SIPG who took the lead at the quarter-hour mark when Chen Binbin whipped in a cross from the left for Cai Huikang who rose highest at the far post and powered in a header that nestled into the back of the net.
The response was almost instant from Yokohama F. Marinos as Ken Matsubara delivered a low cross from the right for Ado Onaiwu who miscued his shot from close range, missing the target.
Earlier, Chinese giants Guangzhou Evergrande snapped a seven-game winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Japan’s Vissel Kobe.
First-half goals from Brazilians Anderson Talisca and Ai Kesen were enough for Guangzhou to avenge their defeat to Vissel Kobe just three days ago and put themselves in contention for a spot in the round of 16.
“We started very well and did well in the first half. Anderson Talisca scored and everyone was happy,” said Guangzhou Evergrande head coach Fabio Cannavaro.
“I am not so happy about our second half performance because we controlled the game and only looked to see it through because 2-0 can be sometimes a small and risky margin,” added the Italian. (Source: AFC)
