ACL MD3 - Group F: Guangzhou R&F 0-1 Seongnam FC

Hwang, scoring for the second consecutive match on the continent, struck 12 minutes before half-time at Yuexiu Stadium as 2010 champions Seongnam added to their 2-0 win over fellow former AFC Champions League winners Gamba Osaka having lost their Group F opener in Thailand against Buriram United.

Tournament debutants Guangzhou had begun the Matchday Three contest level on points with Seongnam after also beating Gamba having posted back-to-back wins in the play-offs, but were unable to avoid a second consecutive defeat having lost to Buriram at home two weeks ago.

Guangzhou, who earlier beat both Singapore’s Warriors FC and Australia’s Central Coast Mariners in the play-offs having finished third in the Chinese Super League last season, made a positive start as both Moroccan striker Abderrazzaq Hamedallah and Jiang Ning had early chances for the home side.

But Seongnam finally broke the deadlock in an even contest 12 minutes before half-time as Hwang, on target against Gamba, made space for himself on the edge of the Guangzhou penalty area, and with defender Jang Hyun-soo backing off, the striker guided the ball over goalkeeper Liu Dianzuo and into the top corner.

Guangzhou, though, finished the half strongly as Wang Song hit the top of the Seongnam crossbar before Hamedallah headed straight at goalkeeper Park Jun-huk from Wang’s cross.

The home side continued to press at the start of the second half, but Seongnam came close to extending the lead as Hwang directed a 67th minute header at Liu.

But any hopes Guangzhou had of a comeback were all but distinguished with two minutes remaining as defender Jang was shown two quickfire yellow cards.

And Hwang was denied a third goal in two games in stoppage time by Lui as Seongnam finished the game on top to claim all three points.

Photo: WSG