Hong Kong: A brace from Australian forward Daniel McBreen saw South China book a place in the AFC Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Bengaluru FC on Tuesday at Mongkok Stadium.
Though domestic results were mixed this season, South China came into the Round of 16 with an unblemished record in the AFC Cup - six wins from six in the group stages.
And that was extended to seven straight victories as the defending I-League champions were downed by goals from veteran striker McBreen in each half.
Thunderstorms earlier in the day meant swampy conditions throughout the match as both sides struggled to control the ball, though Bengaluru dominated the battle for possession and created more chances in the opening exchanges.
But it was South China who drew first blood. A sliding tackle from central defender Curtis Osano brought down South China forward Mahama Awal in the area and McBreen stepped up to take the resulting penalty four minutes shy of the half hour mark.
McBreen, who started the game with six goals from six games in this season's AFC Cup, had earlier missed a clear-cut chance to build on his tally, his header from Awal's cross going wayward. But he made no mistake from the spot, placing the ball in the roof of the net beyond Bengaluru goalkeeper Lalchhuan Mawia.
Bengaluru took the game to South China in reply, repeatedly getting in behind the hosts’ back line. The breakthrough did not come, though, and the Indian outfit’s closest attempt at a spectacular shot from distance by Australian striker Sean Rooney was barely tipped away by South China custodian Cristian Mora.
With the score at the break remaining 1-0 to the hosts, Bengaluru's India forward Sunil Chhetri came on for midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh at half time to bolster the visitors’ attack.
But it was McBreen who sealed victory for South China just shy of the hour. Two minutes before the hour mark, Lo Kong Wai slipped the ball left for Che Runqiu, who crossed low into the six-yard box for McBreen to stab home to make the score 2-0.
An end to end game ensued as tired legs began to tell. South China defender Jack Sealy then flattened Bengaluru youngster Siam Hanghal just outside the area on 71 minutes but Chhetri sent the free kick over the bar.
McBreen then went for his hat-trick on 84 minutes, shooting from the edge of the area but Mawia stretched to deny him.
Awal, just back from injury but consistently South China’s most dangerous player, came close to making it three for the hosts on 93 minutes. His shot was taken off-balance and easily collected by the keeper, seconds before the final whistle.
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