Evergrande claim CFA Cup title
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E-mail CNTV, November 28, 2016
Guangzhou Evergrande drew 2-2 with Jiangsu Suning in the second leg of the final on Sunday to take the CFA Cup title on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate tie.
The Nanjing Olympic Sports Center was the site for the final between two of the CSL's biggest spending sides.
Jiangsu, have been in good form at home this season, and take the lead after just seven minutes through Colombian striker Roger Martinez who fires home a volley after a poor clearance. 1-0 Blue & White. And 2-1 on aggregate. The strike catching Evergrande keeper Liu Dianzuo off guard.
The 6-time CSL champs equalized just before the break, as Brazilian midfielder Paulinho is able to fire home a loose ball in the area. 1-1 game,, 2-2 overall.
In the second half, Martinez is able to shimy around a couple of defenders and nets his second in the 73rd minute to put Jiangsu in front again. 2-1 in the match, 3-2 on aggregate.
Guangzhou needed a goal to tie, because that would give them the victory on the away goals rule -- and with ten minutes remaining, a rocket of a shot by substitute Huang Bowen beats Gu Chao, and breaks the the hearts of thousands of Suning fans. Huang's powerful strike from 30 metres out sailed through a crowd of players before bouncing in front of the 'keeper and into the net.
2-2 is how it ends, 3-3 on aggregate -- which means that Guangzhou can celebrate because of the away goals rule.
This is the second time Guangzhou have lifted the Chinese F-A Cup, their first win was back in 2012.
"It was very hard for us to play here in the final with Jiangsu, who have so many fans. They performed very well in the first half, and we adjusted our tactics succesfully to come back and win," said Huang Bowen.
