Asia China

Elkeson strikes as Shanghai SIPG advance to quarterfinals

Shanghai SIPG progressed to the 2017 AFC Champions League quarterfinals for a second year in a row after winning the second leg of the Round-of-16 clash against Jiangsu FC.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg in Shanghai last week, the goal of Elkeson in the 34th minute put Andre Villas-Boas’ side further clear.

Nine minutes later, the two-time AFC Champions League winner Elkeson played a key part in Shanghai’s second goal when he drew an own goal from Yang Xiaotan, who was rushing back to cover.

Jiangsu made a spirited fightback in the second half, with Hong Jeong-ho heading home in the 75th minute and Wu Xi equalizing in the third minute of injury time.

However, the long-range effort from Hulk in the 94th minute wrapped up the win and confirmed Shanghai’s place in the last eight.

SIPG join China’s Guangzhou Evergrande, who secured their berth on Tuesday, in the quarterfinals stage of the AFC Champions League.