Shanghai Shenhua takes revenge for CFA cup defeat to Henan

Chinese Super League (CSL) leader Shanghai Shenhua avenged its midweek Chinese Football Association (CFA) Cup defeat to Henan FC, narrowly defeating the old rival 3-2 on Sunday and extending their lead over Shanghai Port to six points in the standings.

During the CFA quarterfinals on Wednesday, Henan defeated Shenhua in a penalty shootout, 8-7, after an intense 3-3 draw through 120 minutes.

Playing on Shanghai's home turf, Shenhua dominated the early stages of the match. In the 17th minute, Jiang Shenglong scored with a header to give Shenhua an early 1-0 lead. Gao Tianyi's corner kick forced a good save from Henan's goalkeeper Wang Guoming in the 36th minute.

In stoppage time of the first half, Bruno Nazario of Henan equalized from a penalty kick. But then, Henan defender Iago Maidana made a clearance mistake, causing the ball to bounce off Shenhua's Joao Carlos Teixeira. The Portuguese midfielder seized the opportunity and put the host ahead 2-1.

In the 57th minute, Luis Asue extended Shenhua's lead with a low shot into the net from close range. Although Frank Acheampong scored for Henan in the 76th minute, drawing its deficit to one, Henan never appeared likely to overtake Shenhua.

On Saturday, the other two CSL title contenders, Shanghai Port and Beijing Guoan, both failed to secure three points. Shanghai Port was held to a 2-2 draw by Qingdao West Coast, while Beijing Guoan suffered a 2-0 defeat against Chengdu Rongcheng. Both teams remain six points behind league leader Shenhua.

Meanwhile, Yunnan Yukun defeated Shenzhen Peng City 3-1 on Saturday.

In Sunday's other matches, Qingdao Hainiu beat Tianjin Jinmen Tiger 2-0, Dalian Yingbo defeated Changchun Yatai 2-0, Zhejiang FC edged Wuhan Three Towns 3-2, and Shandong Taishan overwhelmed Meizhou Hakka 3-0.