Sun Jihai creats penalty to seal win in UEFA Cup

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, September 25, 2003

Sun Jihai creats penalty to seal win in UEFA Cup

Robbie Fowler spearheaded a Manchester City revival as Kevin Keegan's men came from behind to win this UEFA Cup first round first leg tie at the City of Manchester Stadium today.

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Robbie Fowler spearheaded a Manchester City revival as Kevin Keegan's men came from behind to win this UEFA Cup first round first leg tie at the City of Manchester Stadium today.

But the double away strike by Lokeren leaves the tie still wide open and once again City's veteran England goalkeeper, David Seaman, found himself involved in another embarrassing mix-up.

City went ahead through Antoine Sibierski's free-kick before Patrick Zoundi capitalised on Seaman's error to level the match.

Worse for City, Lokeren were 2-1 up at the break through Runar Kristinsson before Fowler and strike partner Nicolas Anelka �C from the penalty spot �C sealed the outcome of a see-saw contest.

Sibierski gave City the lead in spectacular style with a 20-yard curling effort after Anelka had been fouled.

City might then have gone 2-0 up but Sylvain Distain saw his header cleared off the line.

The long-suffering home fans have often seen their club gift the opposition a goal and it happened again.

Chinese international Sun Jihai's looping, mistimed header towards Seaman was not the most impressive way of dealing with a punt upfield.

Sun then slowed down as Seaman raised his hand to signal to the defender that he had the situation under control, but he was slow coming off his line and Zoundi raced in to nick the ball and score.

City's fans mockingly cheered nearly every one of Seaman's subsequent touches.

The English side's position worsened when Lokeren took the lead with a goal that was no fault of Seaman's.

This time, instead of him letting down his defence, the players in front of him failed to give the former England 'keeper the protection he had a right to expect.

City failed to close Zoundi on the right and statically ball-watched his cross come into the area with Distin failing to intercept.

But from 12 yards out Kristinsson's first-time shot gave Seaman no chance.

After the break, City continued to press forward with Shaun Wright-Phillips coming off the bench to add to the hosts' attacking options.

But they drew level in scrappy fashion when Fowler, desperate for a goal, grabbed his first of the season from a 77th minute mis-kick.

At that stage though both he and City were past worrying about how a goal would arrive. And two minutes later they sealed victory.

Sun Jihai was fouled by Michael Van Hoey and Anelka made no mistake from the spot. (Football Master)

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