Shanghai SIPG won the first Chinese Football Association (CFA) Super Cup with a dominating 2-0 victory over Beijing Guoan at the Suzhou Olympic Sports Center on Saturday. Vitor Pereira, coach of Shanghai SIPG, managed the team's first match after their top scorer Wu Lei's departure to the Spanish La Liga club Espanyol last month.

A goalless first half saw Guoan struggling to turn their possession advantage into scoring. In the 61st minute, Cai Huikang from Shanghai SIPG intercepted the ball and handed to the left corner, Wang Shengchao took advantage of the broad space left by Guoan's defense and broke the deadlock for Shanghai SIPG. 

Four minutes later, Wang set up the ball for his teammate Lyu Wenjun, who nailed the final score 2-0.

According to CFA rules, three U23 players from Beijing Guoan should be on the starting lineup in this game. In addition to the goalkeeper Guo Quanbo, there are still two substitutes, Hou Yongyong and Wang Ziming on the bench. 

Hou made his debut in the 70th minute when Beijing was two goals behind, but he didn't get much to show in the last 20 minutes of the game.

As the first officially naturalized player, Hou has attracted much attention in China. During the national anthem before a game, Hou would sing along with his teammates. "My mother taught me when I was young. I can sing it."

"Today is a special day for me and my family. To play for Beijing Guoan is my honor. Of course, we wanted to grab the trophy while we didn't. I feel good in the field and we have the best fans here. It's a day worth remembering."

Norwegian-born John Hou Sæter, a midfielder from Beijing Guoan, received his temporary Chinese ID card on February 13, becoming the first naturalized Chinese footballer.

Known as Hou Yongyong in China, the 21-year-old has completed his registration in the CFA, which means he can play for Beijing Guoan in the upcoming Chinese Super League (CSL) and the AFC Champions League.