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SHANGHAI, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai SIPG booked its place in the 2017 AFC Championship League group stage after a 3-0 win over Sukhothai FC from Thailand at Shanghai Stadium on Tuesday.
Shanghai SIPG boast three world-class Brazilian stars, Hulk, Elkeson and Oscar who just joined the team this winter from Chelsea FC.
But it was far from a one-sided game in the first 30 minutes as Sukhothai FC did quite well in curbing Shanghai SIPG's offensive.
Oscar, however, proved his value by scoring a goal during a counterattack in the 34th minute. He got the penetrating pass from Odil Ahmedov and sent the ball into the far corner.
Five minutes later, Hulk created chaos in front of Sukothai's goal area by sending the ball into the box from the left, and Elkson found the net with his back heel.
Shanghai SIPG dominated the second half. Sukhothai's defender Kiatissak made an own goal in the 58th minute.
Shanghai SIPG squandered several chances in the rest of the time.
The victory guaranteed Shanghai SIPG a berth in Group F of 2017 AFC Championship League, with FC Seoul, Urawa Red Diamonds from Japan and Western Sydney Wanderers from Australia. Enditem
