Evergrande, Kashiwa claim last-16 advantage

Posted Thursday, May 16, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Chinese champions Guangzhou Evergrande came from behind to beat Central Coast Mariners 2-1 in the first leg of their AFC Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

Mitchell Duke's volley gave the Australian hosts the early advantage but former Borussia Dortmund forward Lucas Barrios equalised in the 28th minute.

Muriqui's deft finish in the second half then gave Marcelo Lippi's side a lead to take back to China for the second leg.

Japan's Kashiwa Reysol were 2-0 winners against Jeonbuk Motors, Masato Kudo heading a second-minute opener before Tatsuya Masushima powered in a second-half corner.

Esteghlal took a 4-2 advantage against Al Shabab Al Arabi, although the first half was low-key, with Siavash Akbarpoor's close-range miss for Esteghlal the most notable incident until Al-Shabab's Luiz Henrique broke the deadlock with a fine solo effort in stoppage time.

Jlloyd Samuel equalised 10 minutes after the interval and the Iranian champions went on to take a 3-1 lead with 10 minutes remaining through headers from Javad Nekounam and Farhad Majidi.

Edgar cut the deficit but the impressive Khosro Heydari's late goal gave the visitors a comfortable lead.

Youssef M'Sakni scored the only goal eight minutes from time as Lekhwiya won 1-0 away to Al Hilal.

Wednesday's AFC Champions League Round of 16 Results

Central Coast Mariners 1-2 Guangzhou Evergrande

Jeonbuk Motors 0-2 Kashiwa Reysol

Al Shabab Al Arabi 2-4 Esteghlal

Al Hilal 0-1 Lekhwiya