Internet Desk: Hong Kong’s South China defeated Group G winners Mohun Bagan 3-0 in Wednesday’s Matchday Six tie to secure second place and advance to the AFC Cup Round of 16.
Having lost their opening three games, South China completed an extraordinary turnaround by chalking up three straight victories with the most recent coming at Indira Gandhi Stadium and beginning with Law Hiu Chung’s opener on 18 minutes.
Just six minutes later Australian Ryan Griffiths had doubled the lead before Mahama Awal ended the scoring, and effectively the tie, just after the half hour mark.
The Hong Kong side will next travel to Group E winners Ceres La Salle of the Philippines for their last 16 clash in a fortnight’s time.
The visitors deservedly took the lead five minutes later. Awal went on a weaving run down the right before playing in Chung who regained his composure after an awkward first touch to chip the ball into the back of the net.
They didn’t have to wait too long to double their lead either as Griffiths struck their second in the 24th minute. Chung’s corner was met by Chan Wai Ho’s header and the Australian was able to dart in and poke the ball home before Abhishek Das or Arnab Das in goal could react.
South China further extended their lead in the 33rd minute. Awal controlled a chip from Leun Chun Pong before his shot took a deflection off Abhishek, leaving the goalkeeper helpless as the away team took a 0-3 lead.