Venezuelan forward Fernando Ornelas scored one and created another as he made a sensational return to South China. The Caroliners thrashed Instant-Dict 3-0 in the League Cup last night.
Ornelas last played for South China at the end of the 1998-99 season before he was called up by English First Division side Crystal Palace.
The 24-year-old Venezuelan international re-signed with the Caroliners late last month after answering an SOS call to fill the void left by the departure of Yugoslav striker Zeljko Gavrilovic, who is now plying his trade in the Greek First Division.
Ornelas, who also had a stint with Scottish Premier League side Celtic, said he was happy to be back in the SAR - and playing for South China again. 'It's nice to back and playing for South China. This is a memorable night for me because I managed to get on the scoresheet even though this was my first match back,' said the shaven-headed Ornelas.
'I always wanted to do well on my reappearance here and luckily things worked out just right for me.'
Ornelas' return was the stuff of dreams as he signaled his return by setting up South China's opening goal in the 15th minute. Ornelas created space before unleashing a 20-yard pile-driver that Instant-Dict goalkeepr Xiao Guoji failed to hold. Brazilian striker Aderbal Filho swooped on the loose ball to score from close range.
Filho was also in fine fettle and kept the crowd of 1,471 happy with several surging runs, including one that came on the half hour when he ran almost the length of the pitch before laying the ball off for Lee Wai-tik, who made a hash of his shot.
