Uzbeks shock Hiroshima as Guoan holds Steelers
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E-mail Shanghai Daily, February 28, 2013
Uzbekistan's Bunyodkor provided the biggest upset of this year's fledgling AFC Champions League when it pulled off a stunning 2-0 victory away to J-League title-holder Sanfrecce Hiroshima yesterday.
Despite last year's run to the semifinals the Uzbek cup-winner was considered an underdog against the Japanese champion, but a late goal in each half made it a worthy winner in Hiroshima.
Oleksandr Pyshur struck on the stroke of half-time to put the visitors ahead but it wasn't until the 86th minute that Bunyodkor could be sure of the win, when Fozil Musaev doubled its advantage.
The victory extends Bunyodkor's fine form in the Asian competition after it overturned three former champions last year before being halted by eventual winner Ulsan Hyundai in the last four.
Elsewhere on day two, Kashiwa Reysol registered the first Japanese win when former Guangzhou Evergrande striker Cleo, returning to China to face Guizhou Renhe, was on target in the first half to secure a 1-0 victory.
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Shao Jiayi of Beijing Guoan tries to dripple past defender in a AFC Champions League match between Beijing Guoan and Pohang Steelers on Feb.27, 2013. |
As Tuesday's flood of goals quickly dried up, 2009 winner Pohang Steelers was held 0-0 by Beijing Guo'an and Australia's Central Coast Mariners and Suwon Bluewings also finished goalless.
In a frantic finish in Pohang, South Korea, Beijing midfielder Joffre Guerron fired against the crossbar.
For the Steelers, Kim Won-il missed a golden chance and Hwang Jin-sung twice went close with headers, but nobody could break the deadlock.
Among later matches, Iran's Sepahan was playing al-Nasr of the United Arab Emirates and fellow Emirati side al-Ain was up against Saudi team al-Hilal.
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