Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Thu Dau Mot City: Ji Xiang and Nguyen Anh Duc were on target for either side as China’s Jiangsu FC were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Becamex Binh Duong from Vietnam in the AFC Champions League Group E opener on Tuesday.
Ji put the Chinese FA Cup winners in front after 13 minutes at Binh Duong Stadium, but captain Anh Duc restored parity for the Vietnamese champions with a penalty just before the half hour mark.
And although Cameroon forward Christian Amougou was sent-off after 68 minutes, the hosts were able to hang on for a well-earned point.
“I am satisfied with the result and the spirit our players showed. They played well and with very good concentration,” said Binh Duong coach Nguyen Thanh Son.
“We had a good preparation for this game with a good plan and we showed good tactical play during the game.
“We have plans for each game one-by-one because the AFC Champions League is a very tough tournament.”
After a positive start for the visitors, midfielder Ji netted the first goal of the 2016 AFC Champions League as he fired in Jo’s pull-back from the left from 12 yards out.
And another Brazilian debutant, Ramires, was nearly involved in a second goal as his acrobatic scissor-kick from Jo’s headed flick-on sailed narrowly over the crossbar.
The hosts were not overawed by Jiangsu, though, and Amougou went close with a header on 22 minutes.
And after a foul on Amougou’s strike partner Henry Kisekka by Jiangsu defender Liu Wei inside the area resulted in a penalty to the home side, composed captain Anh Duc coolly despatched the spot-kick on 28 minutes with a chipped effort.
Jiangsu came out strongly after the restart with Wu Xi, Xin Lin and Jo all going close to restoring the Chinese Super League side’s lead as marquee signing Alex Teixeira began to increase his influence on the game.
Binh Duong tried to respond, but their efforts suffered a blow with 22 minutes remaining as Amougou received his marching orders after receiving his second yellow card of the match.
Jiangsu attempted to take advantage of their numerical superiority, but Binh Duong goalkeeper Bui Tan Truong was in inspired form, and along with his defenders, proved an obstacle too big to overcome for the away side.
“It was a pity we could not win this game. We put them under a lot of pressure, created more scoring chances and Binh Duong had only 10 players for 30 minutes,” said Jiangsu coach Dan Petrescu.
“I’m disappointed by the result and I think our players did not play with their best physical condition because it’s so hot.
“Ramires, Jo and Teixeira played well but three days preparation in Binh Duong was not enough for them and the other players.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports