Cong An Ha Noi Stun Shanghai Port 3-2 for First Champions League Elite Win

Cong An Ha Noi made history in Shanghai on Tuesday, beating Chinese hosts Shanghai Port 3-2 to claim their first victory in the AFC Champions League Elite. Brayan Perea was the hero for the Vietnamese debutants, scoring twice including the 69th-minute winner, in a result that will be remembered as a landmark night for the club. "Cong An Ha Noi today made history," Perea said afterwards. "The team played very well against a good team that has good players."

The visitors had to survive a late scare to protect their lead. Shanghai Port pushed hard for an equaliser and thought they had found a way back when Mateus won a penalty, only for the Brazilian to strike the post from the spot. It was the kind of moment that decides matches at this level, and it summed up Shanghai's frustrating evening against opponents who refused to be overawed by the occasion or the venue.

For Cong An Ha Noi, coached by Mano Polking, the win is proof that they belong in Asia's premier club competition. Debut campaigns are often about learning lessons, but this side have shown they can also teach a few, taking three points on the road against established opposition. Shanghai Port, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on missed chances, none bigger than that late penalty, as their own campaign takes an unexpected blow.