Gwangju FC’s substitute hero Jasir Asani made an immediate mark, scoring with his first touch to secure a vital 1-0 victory over Shanghai Shenhua in the Asian Champions League. The win keeps the South Korean side firmly in second place during the league phase.
Entering the match in the 58th minute, Asani wasted no time. Moments after replacing Oh Hu-seong, he fired a low shot past Shenhua’s goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong, notching his seventh goal of the competition and solidifying his position as the top scorer.
“I told the coach I would score with my first touch,” Asani revealed with a grin after the match. “I need to score more to help the team.”
In other action, Yokohama F. Marinos climbed to third place with a 2-0 triumph over Pohang Steelers, overtaking Kawasaki Frontale in the standings. Yan Matheus opened the scoring before halftime, and Anderson Lopes secured the win with a late penalty after Ken Matsubara was fouled. Marinos’ goalkeeper Hiroki Iikura capped off the performance by saving a stoppage-time penalty, preserving the clean sheet.
Both Gwangju and Marinos are chasing Japan’s Vissel Kobe, who currently lead the race for one of East Asia’s eight coveted spots in the last 16. Shanghai Shenhua find themselves in sixth place, level on seven points with Thailand’s Buriram United but ahead on goal difference.
The competition intensifies as teams battle for advancement, with every goal and victory crucial in the pursuit of continental glory.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
