Shandong Taishan defeated Australian Premier League (AFL) rivals Central Coast Mariners 3-1 in the first round of the AFC Elite League East Asia Division. In the highlight of the match, Bi Jinhao was the first to break through, and although the opponents equalized once, Kazaishvili then scored twice to secure the victory.
Shandong Taishan have suffered heavy penalties recently and are desperate to clear their name in the Asian competition.
For Kobe Victory, they have brought in two Brazilian foreigners - Patrick and Tulle - while retaining former Japan national team members such as Isao Osako, Kaki Muto, Firefly Yamaguchi, and Takatoku Sakai. Last year, Kobe Victory won the J-League for the first time and are currently second in the table this season.
In the first round of the AFC Elite League's East Asia Division, Kobe Victory failed to get the expected win after a 0-0 draw away to Thailand Super League's Buriram United. To get out of the group stage, Kobe Victory will have to strive for three points in the upcoming matches.
Last night, the second round of the AFC Elite League East Asia Region matches were staged, and both Chinese Super League teams met their Waterloo, losing 0-3 away from home. Shanghai Harbour, despite being the Chinese Super League champions, were defeated on the road by South Korea's traditional powerhouse Pohang Tiejin; while Shanghai Shenhua lost their match against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Bahru.
Shandong Taishan will challenge Kobe Victory Boat on the road, can they continue their winning momentum and realize two consecutive victories? The suspense will be revealed soon.
