Hey, soccer fans! 🌟 The AFC Champions League heat is on, and this week delivered two epic showdowns.
At Hongkou Football Stadium, Shanghai Shenhua finally found their rhythm against the South Korean side Seoul. Equatorial Guinea forward Luis Nlavo was buzzing early, but goalkeeper Kang Hyun-mo denied his first shot with a slick save and snatched away his second chance in the 14th minute.
Shenhua kept up the pressure. Defender Wilson Manafa curled a long-range effort in the 40th minute, only to see Kang tip it over the bar like a pro. The tension was building as fans chanted and waved flags.
The breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Nlavo rose above the defense to head in a perfect cross from Joao Teixeira. Cue the roar of the home crowd and a sea of blue! 🎉
At the other end, 25-year-old Xue Qinghao was a brick wall, pulling off several jaw-dropping stops to protect Shenhua's lead. Seoul pushed hard, but the young keeper stood tall.
Just when it seemed like a 1-0 thriller, Wilson Manafa set up Andre Luis in the 89th minute. He coolly slotted home, sealing a 2-0 win that lifts Shenhua to fifth place in the group.
Over in Japan, Gangwon FC edged Kobe 4-3 in another nail-biter. Goals flew in end to end, keeping fans on the edge of their seats! ⚡️
With wins like these, the race to the knockout stage is heating up. Who will make the next big move? Stay tuned for more AFC Champions League action! ⚽️🔥
Reference(s):
Shenhua beat Seoul 2-0, Gangwon edge Kobe 4-3 in AFC Champions League
cgtn.com
