Zhejiang Professional Football Club clinched their first win in the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two, defeating Indonesia’s Persib Bandung 1-0 at home in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Thursday.
Despite trailing in ball possession by six percent, Zhejiang demonstrated a more aggressive offense with nine shots, four of which were on target. Persib Bandung managed five shots but struggled to create significant scoring opportunities, leading 5-3 in corner kicks.
Key players Cheng Jin and Jean Kouassi were instrumental for Zhejiang. In the 10th minute, Cheng’s close-range shot was skillfully blocked by Persib’s goalkeeper, Kevin Ray Mendoza. Another opportunity arose for Cheng in the 56th minute, but an offside call nullified the attempt.
Kouassi consistently threatened from the left wing, showcasing remarkable individual skills. While his initial shots were saved by Mendoza, perseverance paid off in the 70th minute. A miscleared pass by a Persib defender landed at Kouassi’s feet, and he unleashed a powerful shot. Mendoza got a hand to it, but the force was too great, and Zhejiang took the lead.
To bolster their defense, Zhejiang substituted Cheng and Wu Wei with Qian Jiegei and Gu Bin in the 77th minute. Persib’s last chance to equalize came in the 89th minute with a free kick, but the ensuing header missed the mark, sealing Zhejiang’s victory.
The win marks an important milestone for Zhejiang in the tournament, boosting their confidence as they advance in the AFC Champions League Two.
Reference(s):
Zhejiang beat Persib Bandung for 1st win in AFC Champions League Two
cgtn.com
