Marouane Fellaini and Zhang Chi scored apiece to help 10-man Shandong Luneng outperform Shanghai SIPG 2-0 in the semifinals of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Cup on Tuesday.

Thus, Luneng will have another chance to fight for the CFA Cup after finishing runners-up last year.

After waves of attacks by both sides, the deadlock was finally broken 39 minutes into the game as Belgium international Fellaini headed home to put Luneng ahead.

However, in the stoppage time of the first half, Luneng suffered a blow as defender Liu Yang was sent off for high kick after the referee consulted the VAR and changed his original decision of a yellow.

In the second half, SIPG launched fierce attacks hoping to level the score, but Luneng keeper Wang Dalei managed to keep the clean sheet with superb saves.

Sharp on counter-attacks, Luneng doubled their lead in the 69th minute with midfielder Zhang Chi slotting home the ball in the penalty area off Brazilian Roger Guedes' pass from the right wing.

Brazilian international Oscar netted a consolation goal for SIPG in the last minute, but was disallowed by VAR.

With the 2-0 victory, Luneng are to make their 10th CFA Cup final where they will paly Shanghai Shenhua, who edged Dalian Yifang 3-2 in the other semifinal on Monday.

The Shandong powerhouse will host Shenhua at home on November 1 and play the return leg on December 6. The CFA Cup champions will qualify for the AFC Champions League next season. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)