Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua finally opened their campaign in the AFC Champions League Elite, downing South Korea's FC Seoul 2-0 on home turf in Shanghai. After three games, Shenhua climbed to fifth with four points—letting them taste that sweet first win. 🔵⚪
The match saw Equatorial Guinea forward Luis Nlavo keep Seoul's keeper Kang Hyun-mo busy, only for Kang to deny him twice early on. Defender Wilson Manafa also tested the net with a bending shot that just brushed wide before halftime.
Breaking the deadlock in the 57th minute, Nlavo headed in a pinpoint cross from Joao Teixeira. And with late heroics from keeper Xue Qinghao—who pulled off several highlight-reel saves—the home side held firm.
Sealing the deal in the 89th minute, Manafa set up Brazilian forward Andre Luis, who slotted home to make it 2-0. Seoul's late push couldnt claw back, and Shenhua celebrated their first win. 🥳
Meanwhile, in another thriller, Gangwon edged Kobe 4-3 in a last-minute nail-biter, proving the group's heating up as the race for knockout spots intensifies. 🔥
Reference(s):
Shenhua beat Seoul 2-0, Gangwon edge Kobe 4-3 in AFC Champions League
cgtn.com
