In an electrifying start to the football season, Shanghai Shenhua clinched the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Super Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over city rivals Shanghai Port on Friday night in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.
The match kicked off with high intensity, as Shenhua launched multiple attacks within the first five minutes. Forward duo Saulo Mineiro and Andre Luis tested Port’s goalkeeper Yan Junling early on, but Yan’s exceptional saves kept the score level.
Despite Shenhua’s early pressure, it was Shanghai Port who struck first. In the 7th minute, Jiang Guangtai’s free kick found Gustavo, who headed it to Gabrielzinho. The new signing didn’t miss, giving the defending Chinese Super League (CSL) champions a 1-0 lead.
The second half saw Shenhua’s persistence pay off. In the 67th minute, a corner kick led to a loose ball at the top of the box. Ibrahim Amadou seized the opportunity, unleashing a powerful volley into the bottom right corner to equalize at 1-1.
Shanghai Port regained the lead in the 80th minute. Gabrielzinho showcased his skills with impressive dribbling before netting his second goal, putting Port ahead 2-1.
The drama intensified in stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Shenhua created chaos in Port’s penalty area, and Yu Hanchao poked the ball into the net to level the score once more at 2-2.
Just three minutes later, Shenhua sealed their victory. Gao Tianyi delivered a precise corner from the right, and Andre Luis rose above the defense to head the ball home, securing the Super Cup title for Shenhua for the fifth time in their history.
The thrilling derby not only entertained fans but also set the tone for what promises to be an exciting football season ahead.
