AFC Champions League: Becamex Binh Duong draw 1-1 with Jiangsu Suning

Anh Duc’s accurate penalty shot spurred on reigning V-League champion Becamex Binh Duong to an encouraging 1-1 draw against Chinese FA Cup winner Jiangsu Suning in their Group E opener of the 2016 AFC Champions League on February 23.

Striker Anh Duc equalised the game for Binh Duong with a successful penalty kick. (Credit: VFF)

Despite playing on home field, Binh Duong had been expected to face a tough challenge posed by Jiangsu Suning, which recently rocked the transfer market with blockbuster deals concerning Alex Texeira, Jo and Ramires in particular.

The Chinese team did not hide their ambition of bagging full three points against the Vietnamese representative side as they put the terrific trio on field right from the beginning of the match.

Jiangsu’s power was soon evident with Ji Xiang converting former Man City striker Jo’s pass into an opener for the guests after only 12 minutes of play.

Despite lagging behind, Binh Duong players remained patient with a defensive counterattack strategy which proved effective in breaking Jiangsu’s offensive waves. Offensive spearheads Con Vinh, Nsi, Tan Tai and Henry deployed a number of cunning counterattacks, putting Chinese goalkeeper Zhang Sipeng and the defense line under immense pressure to protect their goal.

The host’s unceasing efforts finally paid off with an equaliser produced by striker Anh Duc in the 26th minute. Henry was pushed by Liu Wei in the box while managing to pick a long pass from Dang Van Robert, earning the Vietnamese side a penalty shot.

Anh Duc ensured he made no mistake, restoring the score for the host team with a shot toward the right corner of the goal.

Jiangsu took control of the match in the second half, mounting pressure on the Binh Duong side; however, hardy resistance of the host team’s defensive line forced the guests to share points after 90 minutes of play.

In another match played the same day, Jeonbuk Huyndai Motors overcame FC Tokyo with a score of 2-1 to temporarily top Group E with three points.

Next up for Becamex Binh Duong will be an away clash with FC Tokyo on March 1.

(Source: NDO)