Shanghai Shenhua secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Japan's Kawasaki Frontale in the AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 first-leg match on Wednesday. An intense showdown at Shanghai's home stadium saw dramatic moments, including a disallowed goal, defensive errors, and a decisive own goal that tilted the balance.
Kawasaki Frontale appeared to score first in the 33rd minute after a costly mistake by Shanghai’s goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong, but the goal was overturned by VAR due to an offside call. The home team narrowly avoided disaster and regrouped in the second half. Defender Kota Takai’s deflection of Wilson Manafa’s volley into his own net in the 76th minute sealed the win for Shanghai Shenhua.
The match was not without setbacks: Midfielder Ibrahim Amadou missed a clear chance to redeem his early error before being stretchered off with an ankle injury. Substitute Saulo Mineiro also squandered a late opportunity to extend the lead.
Other notable results from the AFC Champions League Elite fixtures included:
Pakhtakor Tashkent 1-0 Al-Hilal
Al-Ahli 3-1 Al-Rayyan
Vissel Kobe 2-0 Gwangju
The second leg between Shanghai Shenhua and Kawasaki Frontale will take place on March 12 in Kanagawa, Japan, with everything still to play for.
