Published: 09:47, May 18, 2024
Wuhan hands Henan 4th consecutive defeat in Chinese Super League
By Xinhua
Issa Kallon (right) of Nantong Zhiyun vies with Li Tixiang of Zhejiang FC during the 2024 season Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) 12th round match between Zhejiang FC and Nantong Zhiyun in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, May 17, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

WUHAN - Zhejiang FC crushed Nantong Zhiyun 5-2, while Henan suffered a fourth consecutive defeat, falling 3-2 to Wuhan Three Towns in the 12th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL) on Friday.

Zhejiang took the lead in the 13th minute, when Croatian midfielder Franko Andrijasevic headed home in the penalty area. Nantong equalized 12 minutes later as Issa Kallon scored with a header.

However, Jean Evrard Kouassi and Deabeas Owusu-Sekyere extended Zhejiang's lead to 3-1 before halftime.

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Leonardo (center) of Zhejiang FC shoots during the 2024 season Chinese Football Association Super League (CSL) 12th round match between Zhejiang FC and Nantong Zhiyun in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, May 17, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

In the 61st minute, Brazilian striker Leonardo, assisted by Andrijasevic, slid to add another goal. Congolese striker Kevin Nzuzi Mata scored for Nantong in the 83rd minute, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide. Leonardo scored again in the dying seconds, sealing Zhejiang's 5-2 victory.

"We deserved the win. We started well, but we didn't get some details right and failed to capitalize earlier," said Jordi Vinyals, the head coach of Zhejiang, adding that the mutual efforts made by players led the team to victory, and they will continue to improve the efficiency of scoring in the upfield.

Pedro Henrique (top) of Wuhan Three Towns FC vies for a header during the 12th round match between Henan FC and Wuhan Three Towns FC at the 2024 Chinese Super League (CSL) in Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan province, May 17, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Bruno Nazario (center of Henan FC shoots during the 12th round match between Henan FC and Wuhan Three Towns FC at the 2024 Chinese Super League (CSL) in Zhengzhou, Central China's Henan province, May 17, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

Meanwhile, Wuhan and Henan engaged in a back-and-forth battle, with Brazilian midfielder Darlan scoring twice for Wuhan in the first half. Bruno Nazario and Chen Keqiang equalized for Henan, but Pedro Henrique's penalty kick secured a 3-2 win for Wuhan.

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In other Friday matches, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers defeated Cangzhou Mighty Lions 4-2, Chengdong Rongcheng overturned Meizhou Hakka 4-1, and Changchun Yatai overcame Beijing Guoan 3-2.