Shanghai Shenhua secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Kawasaki Frontale in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite round of 16 tie at home in east China’s Shanghai Municipality on Wednesday.
The match was intense from the start, with the visitors nearly taking the lead in the 33rd minute. Shanghai’s goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong’s pass was intercepted close to the box. Ibrahim Amadou attempted to deflect So Kawahara’s pass but inadvertently sent the ball to Yasuto Wakizaka, who slotted it into an open goal. However, after consulting with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the goal was ruled offside, giving the hosts a sigh of relief.
Amadou sought redemption in the 60th minute when he found himself unmarked at the center of the box. Unfortunately, his shot soared over the crossbar. Just minutes later, misfortune struck as he sprained his ankle and had to be stretchered off the field.
The breakthrough for Shanghai came in the 76th minute. Wilson Manafa unleashed a powerful volley, which was deflected into Kawasaki’s net by defender Kota Takai, handing Shanghai the crucial lead.
Shanghai nearly doubled their advantage in the 89th minute. Chen Jinyi delivered a pinpoint cross in front of the goal, but Saulo Mineiro narrowly missed connecting with the ball.
The second leg of this thrilling encounter is scheduled to take place in Kanagawa, Japan, on March 12.
