Dragan Stojkovic rules out a ‘tragedy’ as Guangzhou R&F lose to strugglers Guizhou Zhicheng in Chinese Super League
Eran Zahavi scores seventh goal in as many games, but two second half strikes from Nikica Jelavic earn visitors first win of the season at Yuexiushan Stadium on Friday
Coach Dragan Stojkovic ruled out a “tragedy” after Chinese Super League pacesetters Guangzhou R&F saw their unbeaten start to the season ended after suffering a surprise 3-1 defeat by struggling Guizhou Zhicheng on Friday.
Eran Zahavi’s seventh goal in as many games after just 34 seconds at Yuexiushan Stadium had handed the home side the ideal start only for Kenyan Michael Olunga to pull Guizhou level midway through the first half.
And with Croatian Nikica Jelavic netting twice in the second half, Guizhou claimed a first win of the season to deny R&F a third consecutive victory.
“We need to analyse the game and make a summing up of it. Overall, the players did very well in the last six games and I can accept this defeat,” said Stojkovic.
Watch: Guangzhou R&F 1-3 Guizhou Zhicheng highlights
“It’s very normal to lose, it’s not a tragedy. Guizhou played very well in the second half and they deserved the win.