A stoppage-time penalty from controversial Argentine Dario Conca earned Guangzhou Evergrande a 2-1 win over Buriram United, giving the CSL club a place in the knockout phase of the AFC Champions League.

Guangzhou Evergrande's controversial Argentine player Dario Conca, who was not expected to play any part in the crucial AFC Champions League game against Thai club Buriram United after publicly criticizing coach Lee Jang-soo, slotted home an injury time penalty to seal a 2-1 win for the Chinese Super League side.

The win secures Guangzhou's place in the last 16 as winners of Group H ahead of Kashiwa Reysol - who defeated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors to ensure their own progress in the competition. Jeonbuk will now meet either Ulsan Hyundai or FC Tokyo in the next phase.

Following the match, Evergrande coach Lee took a pragmatic view of affairs concerning Conca. "We had to penalize him for his misconduct," said Lee, "But we also had to include him on the roster as he is a crucial part of our team.

"We didn't tell our players what had happened in the other match. I just told them to be strong and not think about anything other than the game we were playing."

Lee also expressed his pride at being China's sole representatives left in the competition, and commented on his team's achievement at having topped such a challenging group.

"Guangzhou are now representing the whole of China, not just Guangzhou, so I'm extremely happy to have been able to grab this win against Buriram United.

"In Group H it has been quite tough because all of the teams have been so competitive, so we are thankful for all the fans and supporters back in China and those here in Thailand."

The game itself began in a cagey fashion. After a goalless first half, Guangzhou broke the deadlock four minutes after the restart when Gao Lin laid the ball off to Conca and his return pass sent the China's international striker searing down the left. Gao then cut inside before beating goalkeeper Sivaruk Tedsungnoen at the near post.

Buriram showed their resilience, and were level within 8 minutes when Zheng Zhi's weak attempt to head the ball clear fell into the path of Suriya Domtaisong, who slotted home.

The game looked set to end in stalemate despite near misses by Frank Acheampong and Sarif Sainui for the home side but, with seconds remaining, Cleo was bundled over in the box by Surat Sukha and Conca thumped his penalty down the middle of Sivaruk's goal.

The win not only guaranteed Guangzhou top spot in the group but also eliminated Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, who were last year's runners-up.

"I'm sorry we have failed in an important mission tonight, but the players, coaches and staff have given their best," said Jeonbuk's coach Buspakom Attaphol. "In the second half we had more attempts on goal but we just couldn't convert."

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