Talisca double seals Guangzhou win, Elkeson earns Shanghai late draw

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Fabio Cannavaro put his troubles with China's national team to one side as he led Guangzhou Evergrande to a crushing 4-0 win over Melbourne Victory in the AFC Champions League on Wednesday.

The Italian great has come under heavy fire for a lackluster start as China coach, but it was a different story as he resumed club duties with the seven-time Chinese champions.

Brazilian forward Anderson Talisca's early double made it a straightforward evening for Evergrande, who top Group F on goal difference as they seek a third Asian title.

Elsewhere in the same group, Japan's Sanfrecce Hiroshima beat Daegu FC 2-0 to leave both teams locked with Evergrande on six points at the halfway point.

In Group H, Brazilian striker Elkeson snatched an 89th-minute equalizer as star-studded Shanghai SIPG shared the spoils in a pulsating 3-3 draw with Sydney FC.

But South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai went top of the group when Kim Su-an's injury-time winner grabbed a 1-0 victory over Japan's Kawasaki Frontale.

Fabio Cannavaro-led Guangzhou Evergrande top the group after a stunning 4-0 win over Melbourne Victory, April 10. /VCG Photo

Evergrande gave Victory no time to settle at Tianhe Stadium as Talisca first slammed a free kick against the bar and then nodded the opener on six minutes, celebrating with a victory jig.

Four minutes later and the bleach-blond Brazilian lifted a curling strike into the top left, before Yang Liyu's goal on the counter put Evergrande firmly in control at 3-0 up at half-time.

Cannavaro allowed himself a smile at Evergrande's fourth, a Leigh Broxham own goal which ricocheted in off the defender after Gao Lin's shot was parried by the goalkeeper.

In Sydney, spearheaded by Oscar and Hulk, the big-spending Chinese title-holders headed to Australia with a massive reputation but Steve Corica's men more than held their own.

The home team grabbed the lead three times and looked headed for their first win of the tournament when Alex Brosque tapped in to make it 3-2 with six minutes left.

But Shanghai never gave up and Elkeson linked up with former Chelsea midfielder Oscar late in the game to ruin their night.

It leaves Shanghai with four points after a win, a loss and a draw in their opening three Group H games, and plenty of work still ahead to qualify.

Seasoned Asian campaigners Sydney remain anchored to the bottom of the group on three points.

The home team stunned the visitors with a goal after just three minutes when a half-cleared header found Dutch striker Siem de Jong, whose shot from the edge of the box took a deflection with goalkeeper Yan Junling going the wrong way.

Elkeson (C) of Shanghai SIPG scores the equalizer during the AFC Asian Champions League group match against Sydney FC, April 10. /VCG Photo

Sparked into life, Shanghai pressed forward and were rewarded with an equalizer on 27 minutes when Oscar picked out Lu Wenjun with a cross and his glancing header found the net.

But Sydney were back in front just minutes later when He Guan was penalized for handball and former Bolton striker Adam Le Fondre drove home the penalty.

In a fast-paced first half, the Chinese giants leveled the score again when Yu Hai headed in from close range after a pinpoint cross from ex-Porto star Hulk.

Oscar had a great chance to put them in front soon after the restart but he drilled his half-volley narrowly wide of the post.

As the clock ticked down, both teams went looking for the winner, creating plenty of chances but unable to find the killer touch until Brosque pounced after Ghoochannejhad's header wasn't held by the keeper.

Shanghai threw men forward and when Oscar picked up a loose ball in the dying minutes, he played it on to Elkeson who fired his shot high into the net.

"I am very happy to represent SIPG, and I'm always happy when I score," said Elkeson.

"Our goal was to get the three points of course. We tried hard to press the ball, and we tried hard to score, especially when we were down in the match, but Sydney FC is also a very good team."

"In this competition, we are still alive. We have the quality and we will fight to be champions of Asia. That's what we are working for," Elkeson added.

(With inputs from AFP, Xinhua)