Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Sunday, March 10, 2002
Zhongyuan Beat Shenghua 2-0 in League Opener
Shanghai Zhongyuan scored an inspiring derby win over Shanghai Shenghua 2-0 in the opening match of the 2002 China's First Division soccer league on Saturday.
Shanghai Zhongyuan scored an inspiring derby win over Shanghai Shenghua 2-0 in the opening match of the 2002 China's First Division soccer league on Saturday.
After a tense and scoreless first half, Shanghai Zhongyuan, the only team promoted to the top flight from second division this season, gained an upper hand over their rivals through better teamwork.
Brazilian forward Ze Alcino opened the scoring two minutes into the second half to put the visitors 1-0 ahead. Sheng Han made it 2-0 for Zhongyuan at the 63rd minute with a solo effort.
Shanghai Shenghua, led by out-spoken coach Xu Genbao, tried to come back in the last 20 minutes. They were awarded a penalty as Ruben Sosa's free-kick hit the hand of Chinese international Sheng Si. But Sosa hit the ball against the right post.
The other matches of the first round will be played on Sunday.