Guangzhou Evergrande overtakes Henan Jianye 2-1 in Chinese Super League

Striker Gao Lin's goal helped defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande beat Henan Jianye 2-1 at home in the fifth round of the 2016 Chinese Super League (CSL) on Friday.

Ryan McGowan opened the scoring in the 18th minute for the visitors as the 25-year-old Australian headed the ball from Olivio Da Rosa into the net.

Henan Jianye got several chances to extend the lead but failed to convert one of them. Mirahmetjan Muzepper's long-distance lob in the 30th was stopped by goalkeeper Zeng Cheng. Ten minutes later, Yin Hongbo's header was ruled out for offside.

The defending champions managed to equalize through Ricardo Goulart's penalty in the second half. Less than ten minutes later, Brazil international Paulinho's heavy kick was stopped by Henan Jianye's goalkeeper Wang Guoming, before Gao Lin raced in to slide in the winner. Gao Lin got a yellow card for celebrating by taking off his jersey.

Guangzhou Evergrande won their fourth victory and topped the CSL, although they were left on verge of elimination in AFC Champions League after group stage.

In other matches, Shanghai SIPG beat Guangzhou R&F 1-0 at home to grab the second straight victory. After a scoreless first half, Shanghai SIPG broke the ice thanks to an own goal from Guangzhou R&F in the 85th minute.

Wu Lei's shot was stopped by Guangzhou R&F's goalkeeper, and both Shanghai striker Elkson and Guangzhou defender Gustav Svensson ran towards the ball, which went into the net after touching Svensson's leg.

Also on Friday, promoted Yanbian was beat 3-1 by Shandong Luneng.

Other matches will be held during the weekend. Endit