Needing a win to keep their hopes alive, Zhejiang initiated the first move in the eighth minute when Lucas Possignolo sent a long ball to Gao Di whose run, however, was cut short by the offside flag.

Sailors had a glimpse at goal in the 14th minute but Song Ui-young and Hami Syahin failed to get their shots on target, while Wang Yang’s poor back pass almost caused problems with Shawal Anuar seeing his effort foiled by Zhejiang keeper Zhao Bo.

Zhejiang threatened again in the 24th minute with Wu Wei seeing his effort blocked before Gu Bin sent his shot just off the top left corner moments later, while the Chinese side squandered chances with Gao Di and Jean Kouassi both missing the mark.

Sailors were let off the hook at the half-hour mark when another attacking sequence by Zhejiang opened up space for Gao Di, who struck his lob against the crossbar.

However, Sailor’s patient approach finally came to fruition in stoppage time when Toni Datkovic converted from inside the six-yard-box off Maxime Lestienne’s set-piece.

Zhejiang came close to equalising in the 60th minute when Franko Andrijasevic pounced on a poor clearance at the top of the area before sending his looping shot just over the bar.

Sailors then silenced the home crowd when Song Ui-young found space at the top of the box before striking home their second goal of the evening in the 62nd minute.

Zhejiang refused to give in and their efforts were rewarded when they were given a lifeline with Andrijasevic scoring from the spot three minutes later following Datkovic’s handball.

A lapse in concentration allowed Zhejiang to draw level in the 69th minute after Sun Zheng'ao converted Jean Evrard Kouassi's cross from the right flank.

Zhejiang pushed for a third and it came in the 86th minute with Kouassi slotting home Wang Yudong’s cross from close range before Wang Yudong put the game beyond Sailors’ reach with a stoppage time strike.

Sailors face Thailand’s Port FC next week while Zhejiang meet Persib Bandung of Indonesia.