We were the stronger team,

Published on: 24 April 2019

Shanghai: Sydney FC striker Adam Le Fondre insisted his overriding emotion was one of disappointment despite picking up what could be a valuable point in a 2-2 draw at Shanghai SIPG on Matchday Four of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.

The Englishman equalised after two quickfire SIPG goals had put the Chinese side in front, following Brandon O’Neill’s first-half opener for Sydney. But neither team could find the winner, leaving SIPG two points above the Australian side in Group H.

“We’re disappointed to get the draw and I think we were good value to get the win,” said Le Fondre. “We were pushing all the way and were the team in the ascendancy come the end of the game. We were really disappointed when the full-time whistle went.”


Nevertheless, Le Fondre saw positives in the team’s character as they quickly recovered from the blow of losing two goals in the space of 12 minutes at the start of the second half.

“I think it shows the squad’s resilience to come back from two quick goals and be the stronger team in the end,” said Le Fondre.

“I think we thoroughly deserved three points but a point away at Shanghai is a great result.”

 

Group H: Shanghai SIPG FC v Sydney FC

Sydney remain bottom of Group H on three points but they are still in with a chance of progression to the Round of 16, with Kawasaki Frontale just a point above them and SIPG on five points.

They now travel to face group leaders Ulsan Hyundai on Matchday Five, with the Korea Republic side’s draw at Frontale keeping the Japanese champions just a point above Sydney.

If things go their way on May 7, the Australian side may still be in contention for the last 16 when they host Frontale on Matchday Six.

“All we can do is focus on our games but obviously it helps that the results have sort of gone our way as well,” Le Fondre added.

“It’s a big game against Ulsan away and then there’s the home game against Kawasaki.”


Source: the-afc.com

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