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Wei Shihao (centre) celebrates his goal with Guangzhou Evergrande teammates in the Chinese Super League match against Hebei China Fortune. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese Super League: Guangzhou Evergrande in control as second stage of season starts

  • Champions beat Hebei China Fortune 3-1 with late goals from Chinese national team stars Elkeson and Wei Shihao in Suzhou
  • Tianjin Teda one step to safety after Frank Acheampong brace downs Shenzhen 2-0 in relegation placement group in Dalian

The 2020 Chinese Super League season resumed on Friday with the start of the two tournaments to decide the championship, alongside the AFC Champions League places, and relegation.

In the championship stage – where teams play knockout ties over two legs – champions Guangzhou Evergrande marked their intent with a 3-1 win over Hebei China Fortune in Suzhou.

Fabio Cannavaro’s side came back from Yin Hongbo’s 38th minute opener, which was rifled in from outside the area, with a storming second half performance.

Wu Shaocong levelled in the 68th minute, his powerful shot too much for Hebei goalkeeper Bao Yaxiong, before late goals sealed the win.

China international striker Elkeson put away a penalty in the 87th minute before his national teammate Wei Shihao netted in injury time.

In Friday’s other game – where the winners of the two legs will secure safety – Tianjin Teda met Jodi Cruyff’s Shenzhen in Dalian.

The northerners won 2-0 to put themselves in the driving seat ahead of Wednesday’s second leg.

Both of Tianjin’s goals came from Frank Acheampong with the Ghana striker opening the scoring in the fourth minute before adding another on 51 minutes.

Shenzhen were relegated from the CSL last season before being reinstated after the demise of Teda’s city rivals Tianjin Tianhai.

No Covid-19 positives in Chinese Super League ahead of restart

The CSL continues today with Shandong Luneng facing Beijing Guoan in the championship and Dalian Pro taking on Shijiazhuang Ever Bright in the relegation group.

This season has changed its format to combat the coronavirus pandemic with teams staying in “bubbles” in the host cities, confined to their hotel outside training and matches.

The league recorded no positive Covid-19 tests among 23,000 conducted in the 10 weeks of the first stage.

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