SYDNEY, April 10 (Xinhua) -- A stunning last minute strike from Brazilian forward Elkeson saw Shanghai SIPG snatch a 3-3 draw in the AFC Champions League against Sydney FC in Australia on Wednesday.
With Sydney languishing in last place in the Champions League's Group H, the home side was desperately hoping for a strong start, and they got just that, as Siem de Jong's third-minute shot on goal caught a deflection and wrong-footed SIPG keeper Yan Junling to make it 1-0 to Sydney.
Under pressure, SIPG's Brazilian superstars Hulk and Oscar looked to stamp their authority on the game and control possession in the midfield, and the Chinese side drew level in the 27th minute when Oscar's cross was turned in by Lu Wenjun.
But just as momentum now seemed to be swaying in SIPG's favor, a handball in the box gifted Sydney a penalty which Adam Le Fondre tucked away in the 32nd minute for 2-1.
Just four minutes later, Hulk showed some masterful footwork on the byline to get past Sydney's defense and cross the ball in for left-back Yu Hai, who made it 2-2 with another header.
With the scores locked at 2-2, substitute Alex Brosque scored a tap-in for Sydney in the 86th minute and it looked like the home side would see out the match.
But in the 89th minute, Oscar maneuvered his way past Sydney's backline to set up fellow Brazilan Elkeson, who salvaged a draw with a superb left-footed strike. Speaking afterwards, Elkeson told Xinhua that it was the perfect way to celebrate his 100th match for the Chinese club.
"I am very happy to represent SIPG, and I'm always happy when I score," the striker said.
"Our goal was to get the three points of course. We tried hard to press the ball, and we tried hard to score, especially when we were down in the match, but Sydney FC is also a very good team."
"In this competition, we are still alive. We have the quality and we will fight to be champions of Asia. That's what we are working for," Elkeson added.
The result sees SIPG remain in second place in Group H behind Korean side Ulsan.
SIPG's return match against Sydney will take place in Shanghai on April 23.
