Brazilian Jose dos Santos put South China through to the quarter-finals of the Choi Fung Hong Senior Challenge Shield after scoring the only goal in the Caroliners' 1-0 win over Rangers at Mong Kok Stadium last night.
Dos Santos' sixth goal of the season came from Li Haiqiang's free kick. His header was first kept out by Rangers goalkeeper Zhao Wei, but he made no mistake with his second attempt, blasting home from close range.
Not even the presence of Rangers' most celebrated spectator - former Liverpool and Real Madrid star Steve McManaman - as a special guest, could prevent Rangers from making an early exit in the season's first knock-out trophy.
It was South China's third straight win since the return of Brazilian coach Casemiro Mior and their latest success also made amends for a surprise 3-0 league loss to Rangers in October.
South China face Happy Valley on Christmas Eve for a place in the semi-finals. Happy Valley received a first-round bye.
