Obafemi Martins gives Shanghai Shenhua narrow advantage in Chinese FA Cup derby finale
Nigerian striker taps in from close range to give Shenhua the advantage in the tie as they bid to end a difficult season with success
The former Nigeria striker tapped in from four metres after Liu Ruofan’s cut back in the 38th minute to give Shenhua the advantage in the tie as they bid to end a difficult season with success in the country’s premier knockout competition.
“The game went as we expected,” said Shenhua coach Wu Jingui. “SIPG were very aggressive and they had a lot of power in midfield and attack.
“We could only fight by running more, defending endlessly and having the spirit to give everything to achieve such a good result.”
The Chinese FA Cup is the last chance for SIPG’s Portuguese coach Andre Villas-Boas and his expensively assembled team to secure a trophy this season after they finished runners-up to Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese Super League.