Port 3-2 Three Towns, Rise to 8th in CSL! 8 Straight Wins Over Them, 3 Goals in 10 Minutes to Comeback, Li Ang's Equalizer Disallowed

In a key match of the 23rd round of the Chinese Super League concluded on August 14 Beijing time, defending champions Shanghai Port came from behind to win 3-2 away against Wuhan Three Towns. In the first half, Bevis assisted Kardis for a quick opener, and both Kardis and Mertens hit the woodwork afterward.

In the second half, Port scored three goals in 10 minutes to complete the comeback. Wei Zhen forced an own goal from Fang Jingqi, Ampem scored twice, Leonardo's goal was disallowed, Lote pulled one back for Three Towns, and Li Ang's stoppage-time equalizer was ruled out.

Port achieved their 8th consecutive CSL win over Three Towns. With this victory, Port secured their second straight league win. After 23 rounds (one game in hand), they have 25 points and temporarily moved up to 8th place in the standings.

Three Towns, meanwhile, are winless in two matches and after 23 rounds (two games in hand) have 15 points, remaining second from bottom, two points behind Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.

[Key Moments]

In the 3rd minute, Three Towns got a perfect start. Bevis crossed from the left, and Kardis headed in a diving header, making it 1-0 for Three Towns over Port.

In the 50th minute, Vital crossed from the left, Wei Zhen forced an own goal from Fang Jingqi, and Port leveled at 1-1.

In the 55th minute, three Port players launched a quick counterattack. Wu Lei played a clever through ball, Li Shuai's shot was saved, and Ampem scored on the rebound, giving Port a 2-1 lead.

In the 59th minute, Ampem fired a low shot into the far corner to complete his brace, making it 3-1 for Port away from home.

In the 62nd minute, Leonardo tapped in a goal, but referee Ai Kun reviewed VAR and ruled that Leonardo was offside, disallowing the goal for Port.

In the 75th minute, Lote scored a low shot into the far corner, pulling one back for Three Towns to make it 2-3.

In the 91st minute, Adriano attempted a bicycle kick, and Li Ang scored a brilliant equalizer, but it was ruled out for offside, sparing Port.

[Highlights]

In the 8th minute, Three Towns almost scored another goal. Kardis received a cross from the left and pushed a shot that hit the post.

In the 17th minute, Adriano-Filmino went down in the penalty area, but the referee made no call.

In the 24th minute, Three Towns launched a sharp counterattack. Ming Tian faced an open goal but volleyed over the bar.

In the 27th minute, Fang Jingqi made a poor clearance, and Leonardo's shot/cross was cleared off the line.

In the 29th minute, Leonardo set up the ball outside the box, Mertens adjusted and curled a shot from the top of the arc, hitting the crossbar.

[Player Ratings]

[Match Statistics]

[Lineups]

Wuhan Three Towns Starting XI (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: 22- Fang Jingqi

Defenders: 23- Ming Tian, 2- He Guan, 11- Li Ang (66' 15- Chen Zhechao), 4- Xu Haofeng (88' 8- Wang Jinxian)

Midfielders: 7- Scholl (F) (75' 6- Long Wei), 18- Zhang Xiaobin (66' 21- Xiong Jizheng), 20- Adriano (F)

Forwards: 50- Lote (F), 29- Kardis (F), 10- Bevis (F)

Substitutes not used: 31- Guo Jiayu, 5- Li Shenyuan, 9- Zheng Haoqian, 12- Liao Chengjian, 13- Zheng Kaimu, 16- Min Zixi, 19- Liu Yiming, 33- Liu Binbin

Shanghai Port Starting XI (5-3-2)

Goalkeeper: 1- Yan Junling

Defenders: 22- Yang Xi, 40- Wumitijiang Yusupu (66' 3- Jiang Guangtai), 13- Wei Zhen, 28- Yue Xin (46' 32- Li Shuai)

Midfielders: 10- Vital (F), 23- Fu Huan (66' 8- Jean-Claude), 21- Mertens (F)

Forwards: 7- Wu Lei (66' 33- Liu Zhurun), 45- Leonardo (F) (84' 5- Zhang Linpeng), 17- Ampem (F)

Substitutes not used: 12- Chen Wei, 4- Wang Shenchao, 19- Wang Zhenao, 38- Lu Yongtao, 47- Kuai Jiwen, 14- An Yongjia, 49- Li Xinxiang

Referee: Ai Kun (Beijing Sport University) VAR: Li Haixin (Guangdong)