DOHA (Qatar): Star Brazilian internationals Oscar and Hulk have contributed largely to the success of Shanghai SIPG in the 2018 Chinese Super League title win and AFC Champions League.
But, with Oscar missing through injury, and Hulk’s run of matches without a goal in open play stretching to 11, it was Li Shenglong whose two goals helped the Chinese side to a 2-1 win over Sydney FC on Thursday.
Born and raised in Shanghai, Li emerged as the star of the show at Khalifa International Stadium.
With his team trailing following Trent Buhagiar’s seventh-minute opener, Li headed home Aaron Mooy’s cross to level the match with just under half an hour remaining, before netting the winner with an even better finish in the 79th minute.
“We just finished the league in China and came here for the Champions League directly. At the beginning, we were not in the best form today but we didn’t get influenced by that,” said Li.
“We conceded one goal but through the whole team’s efforts we turned the match around. I think it’s our teamwork that made this happen.”
Li, who has spent his entire career playing for clubs in his hometown, said it was important for SIPG’s quality local players to contribute to the team’s success as much as their more illustrious teammates.
“In our team we have big players like Oscar, like Hulk, and both of them have stayed in our team for many years, but in real life they don’t act like big players,” added Li. (Source: AFC)
