Obafemi Martins Leads Shanghai Shenhua to Chinese FA Cup Glory Despite Second Leg Defeat

Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins showcased his scoring prowess in the Chinese FA Cup final, securing victory for Shanghai Shenhua despite a 3-2 loss to 10-man Shanghai SIPG FC in the second leg. The triumph came through the away goals rule, with Shanghai Shenhua sealing the title after winning the first leg 1-0, concluding the tie 3-3 on aggregate.

In a thrilling encounter, Wenjun Lue provided an early lead for Shanghai SIPG in the 16th minute on Sunday. Yunding Cao equalized for Shanghai Shenhua on the brink of halftime. Martins, a key player for Shenhua, found the net in the 68th minute, giving his team a 2-1 advantage. However, Brazilian forward Hulk leveled the score at 2-2 with a converted penalty in the 72nd minute. A twist in the tale occurred as Giovanni Andres Moreno’s own goal in the 76th minute granted Shanghai SIPG a 3-2 lead.

The drama intensified in the 90th minute when Shanghai SIPG’s Huan Fu received a red card, reducing them to 10 men. Despite the second-leg defeat, Shanghai Shenhua’s earlier away goal secured the coveted Chinese FA Cup title.

This victory marks Shanghai Shenhua’s first Chinese FA Cup triumph since 1998 and their fourth overall. Obafemi Martins played a pivotal role in this success, cementing his legacy as a potent force on the pitch for the club. The resilient performance of Shanghai Shenhua underscores their determination and resilience in overcoming formidable challenges on the road to championship glory.