Shanghai Port surged to third place in the Chinese Super League (CSL) standings with a dramatic 3-1 away win against Changchun Yatai on Friday, marking their fourth consecutive victory in a match punctuated by unexpected twists.
The game in Changchun, Jilin Province, was briefly halted in the 16th minute due to a drone intrusion—a rare disruption that added suspense to the high-stakes clash. Despite Changchun goalkeeper Wu Yake's valiant efforts, an own goal by Abduhamit Abdugheni in stoppage time handed Shanghai Port an early lead, setting the tone for a fiercely contested second half.
Yatai's hopes of equalizing were dashed when Ohi Omoijuanfo's goal was disallowed for a handball, a decision confirmed by VAR. Shanghai capitalized on the momentum, with Gabriezinho extending their lead in the 71st minute. A late penalty converted by Omoijuanfo narrowed the gap, but Xu Xin sealed the victory for Port in the final moments.
The result leaves the two-time defending champions just one point behind leaders Beijing Guoan and Shanghai Shenhua, intensifying the title race as the CSL season approaches its climax.
