In a pulsating encounter at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia, Chinese Super League team Zhejiang clinched a dramatic 4-3 victory over Indonesia’s Liga 1 side Persib on Thursday. The win not only ended Zhejiang’s winless streak on the road in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two but also showcased a masterclass in offensive football.
Zhejiang wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Franko Andrijasevic opening the scoring in the 15th minute, courtesy of an assist from Sun Zhengao. Just seven minutes later, a lapse in Persib’s defense allowed Jean Kouassi to break free, sidestep the goalkeeper, and double the lead for the visitors.
Determined to fight back, Persib halved the deficit in the 31st minute when Beckham Putra capitalized on a rebound after Marc Klok’s initial shot was parried by Zhejiang goalkeeper Zhao Bo. However, Zhejiang restored their two-goal cushion before halftime. In the 39th minute, Gu Bin delivered a precise free kick from the left flank, finding Andrijasevic, who tapped in his second goal of the match.
The second half continued in the same electrifying fashion. Zhejiang extended their lead to 4-1 in the 58th minute as Andrijasevic turned provider, setting up Kouassi for his second goal. Facing a three-goal deficit, Persib intensified their attacks. David da Silva headed home in the 70th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. In stoppage time, Tyronne converted a penalty kick, bringing Persib within one goal, but time ran out before they could complete the rally.
Despite the victory, Zhejiang’s journey in the tournament came to an end. Elsewhere in Group F, Lion City Sailors secured a 5-2 home win over Port, allowing both teams to advance to the knockout stage with ten points each. Zhejiang finished third in the group with nine points, narrowly missing out on progression.
While the result was bittersweet, Zhejiang’s spirited performance and ending of their away-game woes in the tournament will serve as a significant confidence boost for the team moving forward.
Reference(s):
Eliminated Zhejiang end awkward record at AFC Champions League Two
cgtn.com
