Wakaso shines as Jiangsu Suning controls Guangzhou Evergrande in the championship play-off final

Sports News for Sunday, November 8, 2020

Source: goal.com

2020-11-08

Mubarak Wakaso was in action when Jiangsu Suning FC drew 0-0 at Guangzhou Evergrande in the first leg of the Chinese Super League Championship play-off final on Sunday.

The 30-year-old joined Cosmin Olaroiu’s men in January after leaving Spain’s Alavés and has continued to play a key role for the team.

The Ghana international had his 15th start in the league at Suzhou Olympic Sports Center and put in excellent performances to help his team avoid defeat.

The midfielder formed a four-man midfield alongside Tianyi Gao, Xi Wu and Jing Luo and gave a good account of himself in the match.

Jiangsu Suning FC started the game on the back foot and chased the ball for most of the first half with their opponents setting the pace and dominating possession.

Guangzhou Evergrande came close to opening the scoring in the seventh minute when Shihao Wei dribbled past his markers, but his effort went wide.

The South China Tigers continued to push to open the match and were awarded a penalty in the 12th minute, but after a video assistant referee (VAR) control, it was revoked.

Wakaso earned his team a free kick after Elkeson knocked him down, but his team was unable to use the set piece.

Guangzhou Evergrande continued to dominate possession and, in his effort to ensure that his team recovered the ball, he suffered an injury in the 56th minute, but managed to return to the pitch.

Wakaso was replaced in the 90th minute by Yinong Tian after making an impressive contribution to the match.

The 30-year-old midfielder had 45 touches of the ball, received six fouls and completed a dribble in the game.

He also made a tackle, punt, won an air contest and had an 82% pass rate in his effort to help his team avoid a loss at home.

Wakaso looks forward to continuing his excellent performances for Jiangsu Suning FC in the second leg scheduled for Thursday afternoon.