Li Yuanyi (C) of Shandong Taishan jumps to celebrate after scoring the opening goal against Incheon United during the AFC Champions League group match in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, November 7, 2023. /CFP
China's Shandong Taishan defeated Incheon United of South Korea 3-1 at home in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League group stage on Tuesday, bolstering their hopes of reaching the Round of 16.
Shandong took the initiative with Li Yuanyi testing Incheon goalkeeper Kim Dong-heon from distance just seconds from kick off. The visitors enjoyed better possession in the first half, which ended 0-0.
Choi Kang-hee made three changes to his Shandong side at half-time including the introduction of Brazilian attacker Cryzan Barcelos in place of Zheng Zheng while Hernandes Rodrigues replaced Stefan Mugosa for Incheon United.
Shandong broke the deadlock in the 54th minute as Li tapped home after a cross from Liu Binbin was not dealt fully by goalie Kim Dong-heon.
Shandong Taishan's Belgian striker Marouane Fellaini (#25) and Kwon Han-jin (#55) of Incheon United battle for the ball during their AFC Champions League match in Jinan, China, November 7, 2023. /CFP
Incheon United fell further behind in the 65th minute when Kwon Han-jin passed the ball into his own goal with the goalkeeper out of position.
In the 75th minute, Cryzan converted a penalty kick after Hong Si-hoo fouled Li Hailong inside the box.
Shandong Taishan's Brazilian striker Cryzan Barcelos carries his child to celebrate the team's victory over Incheon United after the AFC Champions League match in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, November 7, 2023. /CFP
Incheon scored a consolation goal in the dying seconds through Kim Do-hyeok.
Also on Tuesday, Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos defeated Philippines' Kaya FC 2-1, while Japan's Kawasaki Frontale beat Thailand's BG Pathum United 4-2. On the same day, Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim defeated South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai 2-1.