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Gangwon beat Shanghai Shenhua 2-1 for first win in AFC Champions League Elite

Sports Scene

Players from Shanghai Shenhua (blue) and Gangwon (red) battle for the ball in an AFC Champions League Elite East Asia group stage match in Gangneung, South Korea, September 16, 2025. /IC Photo
Players from Shanghai Shenhua (blue) and Gangwon (red) battle for the ball in an AFC Champions League Elite East Asia group stage match in Gangneung, South Korea, September 16, 2025. /IC Photo

Players from Shanghai Shenhua (blue) and Gangwon (red) battle for the ball in an AFC Champions League Elite East Asia group stage match in Gangneung, South Korea, September 16, 2025. /IC Photo

Shanghai Shenhua opened their AFC Champions League Elite campaign with a 2-1 defeat on the road against South Korean side Gangwon on Tuesday.

With the Chinese Super League title race heating up, Shanghai rested several key players for their Asian opener. Gangwon had a great chance in the 23rd minute, but Vitor Gabriel missed and Bao Yaxiong was able to clear the ball.

Despite being on the back foot for much of the first half, the visitors struck first. Shortly before halftime, Gao Tianyi delivered a through ball to Joao Teixeira, who quickly took control, cut inside, and fired into the top corner to give Shenhua a 1-0 lead going into the break.

Gangwon responded in the second half. Hong Chul equalized in the 54th minute for the hosts, who were making their debut in the competition. Gangwon went in front nine minutes later when Shanghai failed to clear their area, allowing Gu Bon-cheol to score and thrill the home fans.

Shenhua were unable to respond, and Gangwon celebrated their first-ever AFC Champions League victory.

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