China

Sweet revenge as Dalian downs Japan's Gamba

(AFP)
Updated: 2006-04-27 06:49

The Koreans scored the only goal in the 21st minute when Brazilian striker Ze Carlo netted his first in four Champions League matches.

Chonbuk coach Choi Kang-hee admitted his side were also tired, but poor finishing played its part.

"Our finishing has been a problem on previous matchdays ... My players have been suffering from tiredness because we have the K-League, the Korean FA Cup and also the Champions League this season," he said.

Dan Nang are without a point or a goal in the competition.

Elsewhere, Uzbek side Mashal upset Saudi giant Al Hilal 2-1 in Group B with second half goals from Botir Karaev and Zafar Kholmurodov, leaving that group wide open.

Later Wednesday Al Ain, who won the inaugural AFC Champions League in 2003 and were runners up last year, play Group B bottom club Al Mina.

In-form Pakhtakor travel to Tehran looking to stamp their authority on Group A with a victory against faltering Foolad.

The Uzbeks are in imperious form domestically with seven straight league wins and top the group by two points from their Wednesday hosts.

"Before the start of the season we gave ourselves the task of reaching the AFC Champions League final and we are well-placed to execute that task," said Pakhtakor coach Valeri Nepomniatchi.

In Doha, Al Saad of Qatar are out to reinforce their lead in Group D against Iraqi minnows Airforce while Saudi side Al Shabab take on Kuwait's Al Arabi.