SAFFC 1-1 Shanghai Shenhua: Draw diminishes ACL chances admits Jia

Shanghai Shenhua midfielder Chen Tao reacts to a miss at goal as the Chinese side's ACL chances slip away with a 1-1 draw to Singapore Armed Forces. (AFP)

SINGAPORE – Shanghai Shenhua coach Jia Xiuquan admitted that his side will find it difficult to reach the last 16 of the AFC Champions League after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Singapore Armed Forces on Tuesday.

The visitors dominated proceedings in the Group G clash at the Jalan Besar Stadium but fell behind to a sublime Ahmad Latiff volley in the 29th minute.

SAF goalkeeper Shahril Jantan made a series of excellent saves to keep the hosts ahead but Argentine striker Hernan Barcos spared the Chinese side’s blushes with a stoppage-time equaliser.

However, the dropped points could prove costly for Shenhua’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage as they trail two points behind second-placed Suwon Bluewings with only one game remaining.

While Jia praised his players for continuing to battle to the end, the Shenhua coach was disappointed that they failed to make their chances count against the last-placed Singapore side.

“The players tried their best and created many chances. They remained resilient to the end,” said Jia, whose team must beat group leaders Kashima Antlers in their final match and hope that Suwon fail to beat SAF at home.

“The main problem for us is scoring away from home as we have been getting too few goals from so many chances. We need to work on this area.

“I had mentioned before that SAF are not a weak team and it is possible for them to score goals. It was no shame for us when they scored first.

“But it will now be very difficult for us to progress to the next round after the draw tonight.”

SAF coach Richard Bok was elated at seeing his side pick up their first point after four consecutive defeats.

“One point is like a win for us. It is a fantastic result for us and the players put up a determined, brave performance,” said Bok, whose side lost 4-1 in their first meeting in Shanghai.

“When we were in Shanghai, we were unlucky. They gave us a harder time tonight.

“Kashima Antlers and Suwon Bluewings are really a few levels above us. The only team whom we have a chance of getting at least a point is Shanghai Shenhua.

“This is our first time in the ACL and there are many lessons for everyone, from players even down to myself, in the club.

“If we get a chance to compete again next year, we will be better prepared.”