Shanghai Shenhua began its tournament in the AFC Champions League Two 2026-27 season with a 2-1 victory over Singapore's Tampines Rovers on Thursday. The win was secured by a goal scored from a set piece by Yang Shuai in the second half of Group G match.
The Shenhua team took to the pitch with a weakened squad, as Wu Si, Zhu Chenze, and Yang Haoyu were absent due to participation in the Asian Games. Furthermore, several other regular players could not participate due to injuries or suspensions.
Tampines created an early threat and almost managed to break through the opponent's defense in the eighth minute, but Yang Zeshan managed to intervene and prevent the goal. Soon after, Shenhua started creating chances when Liu Chengyu struck the ball into the net.
The home team took the lead in the 19th minute thanks to Hu Haoyang. The 27-year-old player advanced and struck a low shot from outside the penalty area past goalkeeper Siazwan Buhari, allowing Shenhua to take a 1-0 lead.
Liu had the opportunity to double the advantage six minutes later, but Tampines defender Raul Sukhaimi blocked his attempt near the goal. The visitors responded in the 33rd minute when Faris Ramli drove inside and his shot deflected, after which he beat Shenhua goalkeeper Xue Qinghao, leveling the score at 1-1.
Tampines created danger again shortly after this with Tsuzuku Higashikawa, whose shot was saved by Xue. Meanwhile, Shenhua tried to regain the lead before halftime: Liu was stopped near the goal, and Li Songyi headed a shot that was saved.
Shenhua coach Vladan Milojevic made substitutions during the break, bringing on Yang Shuai for Li, and this substitute proved decisive in the 62nd minute. Gao Tianyi regained possession after his initial shot was blocked and lifted the ball into the center, where Yang jumped and headed it into the goal near the net, restoring Shenhua's advantage.
The home team continued to pose a threat after taking the 2-1 lead. Gao tested Buhari from a free kick, and then Liu was stopped again in the penalty area as Shenhua searched for a third goal.
Tampines could not respond, allowing Shenhua to finish the match with a victory and bring Milojevic his first home win since taking charge of the Chinese Super League club.
