Shanghai Shenhua will begin their AFC Champions League Two group stage campaign at home against Singapore's Tampines Rovers on the evening of September 17 at Shanghai Stadium. The match marks Shenhua's return to continental competition, with the team aiming to start their Asian journey with a positive result.
The Chinese Super League side heads into the match with mixed but generally positive recent form. They have won four of their last five domestic fixtures, most recently a 3-1 away victory over Chongqing Tongliang Long on September 6. In that match, Luis Asue and Wu Xi scored early goals, with Yang Zexiang adding a late third. Attacking focal point Rafael Ratão has been in fine form this season, leading the team with 15 goals in 26 appearances.
Lineup and Outlook
In their last league outing, Shenhua deployed a 4-5-1 formation. Xue Qinghao started in goal, protected by a back four of W. Manafa, Li Songyi, Zhu Chenjie, and Yang Zexiang. The midfield consisted of L. Asue, Wang Haijian, Gao Tianyi, Wu Xi, and Xie Pengfei, supporting lone striker Rafael Ratão. This lineup demonstrated creative attacking potential.
Facing a Tampines Rovers side considered underdogs, Shenhua's clear objective is to secure all three points to build a strong foundation for progression from the group stage. The key will be translating their recent domestic scoring form to the Asian stage. Fans can follow the team's upcoming matches on our fixtures page and check the latest player information on the squad page.
